Gifts "Orthodox Crown" 925 Silver — Icon, miniature church, niello

The egg opens — and inside awaits a small gilded egg featuring an Orthodox cross and floral niello ornament, framed by 25 bright stones representing pussy willows (Верба). When closed, the front of the egg displays an icon of the Our Lady of Kazan, and the back bears the golden letters ХВ — Христос Воскресе, Christ is risen. All around: openwork silver with floral motifs, hand-engraved niello, gilding, and bright stones. A piece that, when opened, takes your breath away.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, hand-engraved niello, gilding, openwork, gemstones
• Icon: Our Lady of Kazan (Kazanskaya) on the front
• Back: ХВ (Христос Воскресе) in gold
• Surprise inside: small gilded egg with an Orthodox cross and niello ornament
• Opening mechanism: the egg splits to reveal the inner egg
• Stones: 25 bright stones — symbol of pussy willows (Верба, Palm Sunday)
• Delivery: in a gift box

Material and craftsmanship

On the front of the closed egg sits an oval medallion with an icon: the Our Lady of Kazan, one of the most revered icons of the Russian Orthodox Church — Mary with the Christ Child, in gold on a dark background, framed by openwork silver with floral vines. This icon is not an attached element but is set into the silver work. On the back are the golden letters ХВ, the Orthodox Easter greeting.

What distinguishes this egg technically is the openwork: parts of the silver have been cut away to create a filigree lattice of vines and blossoms that you can look through — one of the most demanding techniques in silversmithing. Set into the openwork fields and on the exposed surfaces are 25 bright stones that represent the buds of the Верба (pussy willows) — round and light, like the branches blessed in the Russian tradition on Palm Sunday in place of palm fronds. When the egg opens, a small gilded egg lies in the center with an Orthodox cross and dense floral niello ornament — a unique piece that stands on its own.

Usage and occasions

The "Orthodox Crown" gift egg is a high-level religious gift — for a member of the clergy, for a church consecration, or for someone to whom you wish to give a piece that unites faith and silversmithing in one form. It is a lasting gift from godparents for a baptism, carrying symbolism that lasts well beyond the celebration. You will find thematically appropriate pieces in our Saint and Orthodox gifts and Easter gifts collections.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is possible upon request after inspection — please contact us with your desired text, and we will check the feasibility directly on the piece. Upon request, we will include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed to match the occasion and free of charge.

Care

Clean the egg exclusively by hand with a soft, dry cotton cloth. The openwork fields and the set stones should be kept dry — no direct water on the settings. Please refrain from using silver polish or mechanical scrubbing, as both the niello inlay and the fine openwork are delicate. Store the egg in its gift box or under a display case to protect it from dust.

Frequently asked questions

How does the egg open?

The egg splits to reveal a small gilded egg inside with an Orthodox cross and niello ornament. When closed, it forms a continuous egg shape.

Which icon is featured on the egg?

The Our Lady of Kazan (Kazanskaya) — one of the most revered icons of the Russian Orthodox Church, Mary with the Christ Child, in gold on a dark background.

What do the 25 bright stones signify?

They represent the buds of the Верба (pussy willows), which are blessed in the Russian tradition on Palm Sunday — a symbol that carries the preparation for Easter.

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