Order like decorations and works of art

Even a century ago, the Order of both European and overseas states, different appeal and beauty of performance. Unlike most of today's awards, jewelers XVIII century created works of art, worthy of merit reflecting the awarded ladies and gentlemen.

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Order of Saint Catherine (Russian Empire)

For the Christian countries the foundation of the Order of the sign was often a cross of gold or silver, covered with colored enamel and often decorated with diamonds.

The Order of St. Catherine was founded by Peter I in honor of his wife. This order with a red ribbon was awarded to all the girls of the royal family, and grand duchesses. The boy christened awarded the Order of St. Andrew on a blue ribbon. And the tradition of putting the newborn in pink or blue.

Order of the Elephant (Denmark)

Order of the Elephant - undoubtedly the most original award in the world, comparable only with the British Order of the Garter. Badge of the Order - white enamelled elephant figurine with diamonds, which controls the black driver. Order was very popular in Russia, they were awarded the Peter I, Alexander Menshikov, the princes Dolgorukov and VL AB Kurakin.

The Order of the Legion of Honor (France)

Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte Robert Lefevre authorship.

Legion of Honor was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 on a wave of revolutionary change, and the slogan "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." The highest award of France could get any man, regardless of class and origin.

Insignia of the Order of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor.

Legion of Honor - one of the most recognized awards in the world. Five-pointed silver or gold cross on a red ribbon is a symbol of the highest service to the Republic.

The activities of many Russian citizens has been noted by the French Government, among them: Vladimir Pozner, Zurab Tsereteli, Eldar Ryazanov, Joseph Brodsky, Maya Plisetskaya, Dmitri Mendeleev, Fyodor Chaliapin, Ivan Poddubny, as well as politicians and military personnel.

The Order of the Rose (Brazilian Empire)

Roses Order founded by the Emperor of Brazil Pedro I as a sign of his love for Princess Amelia Leuchtenberg. The sign on a white star background shining rays decorated with roses, crowned with the Order of the imperial crown.

Order of the Dragon of Annam (French Indochina)

For the Vietnamese dragon is a positive symbol, the dragon brings rain needed for agriculture. Also he is the emperor, prosperity and power of the nation. Dragon is a reflection of the universe, life, existence and growth. It is therefore not surprising that the highest mark of distinction of Annam, was dedicated to the Green Dragon, was made of silver in the best shops of Paris.

Ishmael Order (Kingdom of Egypt)

An elegant performance of the Arab ornate enamel Order Ismail leaves no doubt: it is a reward for the most deserving for his outstanding services to the state.

Order of Nakhimov (Soviet Union)

Nakhimov Order was established in 1944 to honor outstanding officers of the fleet. He became one of the rarest orders of the Soviet Union - only 551 awards. Orders made of gold, silver and rubies. Due to the rarity of the Order of the 2nd degree is worth about $ 50,000, and the Order of the 1st degree - priceless rarities.