Russian-American Business

For the nine decades of the company’s existence, Russkiye Samotsvety garnered a unique jewelry business experience, which now embodies itself in the many elegant and fashionable pieces the factory creates.

The Russkiye Samotsvety factory was founded on August 28, 1912, when Emperor Nicholas II passed a decree to establish a company for the Development and Perfection of the Lapidary and Polishing Handicraft Industry.

The historic roots of Russkiye Samotsvety go back to the epoch of Peter the Great. In 1721, Peter I set up a mill to process precious stones at Peterhoff.

For the nine decades of the company’s existence, Russkiye Samotsvety garnered a unique experience in the jewelry business, which now embodies itself in the many elegant and fashionable pieces the factory has created. Among the items produced by Russkiye Samotsvety, there are many different gold, silver, diamond, and platinum jewelry pieces. The style of the jewelry varies from modern fashionable trends to the classic canons.

Russkiye Samotsvety is especially proud of its Faberge collection, every piece of which is marked by virtuous techniques and elegant design.

Good industrial base and a solid technological foundation allow Russkiye Samotsvety to produce more than 3500 different items.

One of the key advantages Russkiye Samotsvety has lies in its traditional high quality and its 100 % compliance with all state standards. The factory’s line of products includes:

• Jewelry items of 950 standard platinum, gold 14K/18K, sterling silver

• Jewelry Items with diamonds, jewelry items with invisible clips

• Enamel and filigree tableware of silver 925

• Enamel painted miniature

• Egg boxes and egg pendants done in Faberge style

• Stone-cut items

• Items for use in religious ceremonies

• Watches and watch bracelets

Russkiye Samotsvety reinstituted and revived the production of traditional Russian silver tableware. Table sets of Russkiye Samotsvety decorate the Kremlin and the Konstantinovskiy palace.

The company’s designers help Russkiye Samotsvety clients to create their own style of family jewelry. For the little-ones, Russkiye Samotsvety offers a large collection of first-tooth spoons. Especially for men, the company offers a number of topsy-turvy cups with animal figurines made from silver.

In 1995, Russkiye Samotsvety was awarded the International Birmingham Torch.

The quality of the Russkiye Samotsvety items is confirmed by numerous other international awards, including the De Beers award (2000). Jewelry produced by Russkiye Samotsvety has been exported to more than 20 countries. The company is a regular participant at major international exhibitions.

At the JCK show in Las Vegas, Russian-American Business editor met with the President of Russkiye Samotsvety, Sergey Dokuchaev.

- What did the Russkiye Samotsvety company bring to Las Vegas JCK 2005? With what kind of merchandise do you intend to surprise and to conquer the American market?

- We’ve brought here several of our traditional collections. Our factory has been working in these areas for a long time – ever since it was formed by the order of the last Russian emperor, Nicolas II on basis of the old edging factories of Carl Faberge. …

What we have, first of all, is the tableware group. The silver tableware that we produce is done in Carl Faberge style. No one else is able to do it the same way and in such quantities as we do – neither the Italians, nor Hong Kong. Also, we brought exclusive pieces with diamonds and with pearls. Our other line of work is the Faberge egg-boxes. Russkiye Samotsvety is now the company that carries on the Faberge tradition. In addition, we have miniature boxes with stone-cut plastics that feature gem inserts.

- What are some of your particularly recognized products?

- We create the so-called topsy-turvy cups. They too are done in Faberge style. The cups are made from silver. According to Russian traditions, if a toast is made, everyone should drink from his or her cup until it is empty. Only then will it be possible to turn over the topsy-turvy cup. People use these cups as presents to high-level guests and business partners.

- If this is not too much of a secret, who now has the topsy-turvy cups?

- Many political figures and many famous people have the topsy-turvy cups.

I should mention that recently our piece was given as a present to Albert Gore. When he visited St. Petersburg, our General Director presented him with a set of topsy-turvy cups, titled “the set of the hunter and the fisherman.”

- In general, what comprises your client base?

- We work a lot with national governments – making items with country insignia. We have a large collection with Russian national symbols. Recently, we made special tableware sets for President Putin’s new residence.

… When in St. Petersburg there was a summit of the European Council countries [it was dedicated to the third centennial of the city] and 150 heads of state visited, Russkiye Samotsvety made special pins with diamonds and with enamel for each one of the world leaders. Russia’s President Putin has pin number 1. U.S. President George Bush has pin number 2. Apart from that, we, are now completing a large order of the Kazakhstan’s government.

- How is your company working on the international level?

- The pieces of Russkiye Samotsvety are much in demand in practically all the European countries. We now export our products to twenty-five countries altogether. In Asia, our merchandise is popular too. We have good connections with the Arab Emirates. Of course, we also have ties with former USSR republics: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

- How do you plan to work with the United States?

- Right now our goal is to find good partners in America that would introduce our products to the new market. We understand that it will not be easy and it will not come all at once. We, nevertheless, remain firmly committed to exploring this new territory.

“Russkiye Samotsvety” Corp.

Russia, 195112,

Saint-Petersburg,

Carl Faberge sq., 8

Tel.: +7-812-528-0103

Fax: +7-812-528-0918

E-mail: Office@russam.spb.ru

Commercial Director

Galina P. Golendoukhina

Tel.: +7-812-528-3317

Fax: +7-812-528-2378

e-mail: Oves@russam.spb.ru