Saint Petersburg, circa 1890

This presentation brooch was commissioned by Empress Maria Feodorovna, mother of Tsar Nicholas II, and created by Friedrich Koehli, jeweller to the Imperial Court.

Such pieces were bestowed as personal tokens of favor or gratitude, reflecting both the refined taste of the Empress and the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the Imperial workshops.

The brooch is crafted in 14K yellow gold and embellished with high-quality red guilloché enamel. The polished gold border is designed as a flowing ribbon. At the center is a rose-cut diamond cipher, combining the Empress’s initials “M” and “Ф,” set over the enamel and surmounted by a gold Russian Imperial crown accented with two cabochon sapphires.

It is marked on the pin guard with the 56 zolotnik old Russian gold standard and the maker’s initials “F * K.”  The brooch remains in pristine condition.

Width is 27 mm (1  1/16 in.)