Antique Russian Enamel and Ruby Cufflinks

A pair of cufflinks in the Art Nouveau style, with a guilloché enamel body in a pearly ivory shade. Embellished with beautiful cabochon rubies. 

Hallmarked with pre-revolution Russian Empire gold marks. 56 Zolotniky is the equivalent of 14 carat gold. Maker’s marks are “AW”, possibly Alexander Wilson of Riga. At the turn of the century, Riga was one of the largest cultural centres of the Russian Empire, and to this day, it can boast of being the city with the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.

The fluid, scrolling lines and the beautiful enamel work characterise this piece as an authentic Art Nouveau piece.

The rubies may well be synthetic, as they possess excellent clarity and they are very well colour-matched across the two pieces. Verneuil rubies were highly popular in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and do not detract from the value of genuine period pieces.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Enamel in perfect condition, with minor wear and tear on gold and rubies.