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

The egg opens – not in two halves, but in three petals that unfold like a flower. And inside, a small gilded egg awaits, adorned with an Orthodox cross and floral niello ornament – 25 bright stones depicting pussy willows (Верба) frame the piece. When closed, the egg displays an icon of the Mother of God of Kazan on the front, and on the back, the golden letters ХВ – Христос Воскресе, Christ is Risen. Surrounding it: filigree silver with floral motifs, niello hand-engraving, gilding, and 25 bright stones depicting pussy willows. This is the prestige piece of the entire souvenir egg collection – a piece that, when opened, takes your breath away.

Three Petals – an Opening Mechanism that Surprises

All other souvenir eggs in the collection open with a hinge – lid up, see the surprise, lid down. This egg is different. It separates into three curved petals that fold outwards, revealing the interior like a blooming flower. The inside of the petals features filigree silverwork with bright stones – each petal a unique ornament, together forming a wreath that frames the small egg.

This mechanism is the greatest craftsmanship challenge of the entire collection: three hinges that operate smoothly, three petals that open and close symmetrically, and filigree work that remains stable despite its delicacy. This is why this egg stands at the pinnacle of the collection – not just because of its price, but because of the skill behind it.

The Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan

On the front of the closed egg sits an oval medallion with an icon: the Mother of God of Kazan (Kazanskaya Bogomater) – one of the most revered icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. Mary with the Infant Jesus, in gold on a dark background, framed by filigree silver with floral tendrils. This icon is not glued on – it is an integral part of the silverwork, embedded in the egg's ornament.

On the back are the golden letters ХВ – Христос Воскресе, the Orthodox Easter greeting. Together with the icon on the front, the egg becomes a devotional piece that unites faith and craftsmanship in a unique form.

The Small Egg Inside – Верба in Silver

When the three petals open, a small gilded egg with an Orthodox cross on top and a dense floral niello ornament lies at the center. The small egg sits within the opened petals like in an eggshell – a silver nest holding its egg. It can be removed and held in the hand – an independent work of art that also stands alone. Together with the 25 bright stones placed on the petals and at the base, depicting the buds of the Верба (pussy willows), the piece tells the story of Palm Sunday: the willow branches that are blessed in Russia instead of palm fronds.

Filigree Work and Gemstones

What distinguishes this egg from all others in the collection: the silverwork is not only engraved but filigreed. This means: parts of the silver are cut out, creating a delicate lattice of tendrils and blossoms that can be seen through. This filigree work (Ajour work) is one of the most demanding techniques in silversmithing – one wrong cut and the whole piece is lost.

Into the filigree fields and onto the petals are set 25 bright stones depicting pussy willow buds (Верба) – round, bright, like the soft buds that are blessed in Russia for Palm Sunday. Niello, gold, silver, and stone – four materials that together tell the story of Palm Sunday through craftsmanship.

The Prestige Piece – for whom this egg is made

Collectors: The "Orthodox Crown" gift egg is the piece that crowns a souvenir egg collection. Those who already own the ХВ-Easter egg (€1,393), the Precious Miracle (€7,972), and the George Egg (€9,989) have here the grand finale – the most elaborate, the most expensive, the one with the most spectacular opening mechanism.

Religious Gift at the Highest Level: For a bishop, an abbot, a church consecration – a gift that reflects the significance of the occasion. Icon, Verbena egg, ХВ, cross, 25 stones – each element carries religious symbolism.

Unique Gift: For someone to whom you want to give a once-in-a-lifetime gift that is truly one-of-a-kind. Not a mass-produced item, not a catalog piece – a masterpiece from a manufactory that has been operating for 340 years.

Frequently Asked Questions about the "Orthodox Crown" Gift Egg

How does the egg open?
In three petals that fold outwards like a flower. Inside lies a small gilded egg with an Orthodox cross and niello ornament. When closed, the petals form a closed egg shape.

Which icon is on the egg?
The Mother of God of Kazan (Kazanskaya) – one of the most revered icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. Mary with the Infant Jesus, in gold on a dark background.

What does ХВ on the back mean?
Христос Воскресе – "Christ is Risen". The traditional Russian Orthodox Easter greeting.

Which stones are set?
25 bright stones depicting pussy willows (Верба) – in the filigree fields, on the petals, and at the base.

Which other eggs are in the collection?
6 other pieces: Easter egg ХВ (€1,393), Chalice Egg (€7,184), Precious Miracle (€7,972), Garnet Egg (€8,574), Jewelry Box (€9,282), George Egg (€9,989).