Olga of Kiev Molten Gold Pendant
Free shipping and returns
100% recycled solid gold or vermeil
2 year warranty
Fairly made, fairly priced
After the murder of her husband, Prince Igor of Kiev, by a neighboring tribe that sought to assert dominance over Kievan Rus', Olga found herself in a precarious position. As a widow and mother, she faced immense pressure from all sides, including the Drevlians, who proposed that she marry their prince. Instead, she orchestrated a series of calculated and brutal acts of revenge that have become legendary.
Her first act was to bury alive the Drevlian emissaries who brought the marriage proposal, followed by another group of nobles whom she lured into a trap and had burned alive. She then launched a military campaign that ultimately crushed the Drevlian resistance, culminating in the destruction of their capital.
Beyond her acts of vengeance, Olga is also remembered for her significant contributions to the development of Kievan Rus'. She was the first ruler to convert to Christianity, a move that had far-reaching implications for her realm. Her decision to embrace the new faith independently of her son and the broader nobility was a bold step that aligned Kievan Rus' more closely with the Byzantine Empire and laid the groundwork for the eventual Christianization of the region. This act demonstrated her foresight and understanding of the broader political landscape, showcasing her ability to think beyond immediate concerns and secure a lasting legacy for her people.
Olga’s legacy extends beyond her political achievements; she was also canonized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Despite the resistance she faced, her commitment to spreading Christianity was unwavering, and she was posthumously honored as "Equal to the Apostles," a title reserved for those who played a significant role in spreading Christianity.
Olga wielded power with a deft hand, blending strategic ruthlessness with visionary governance. Her story challenges the traditional narratives of leadership in a male-dominated society, showing that strength and wisdom are not bound by gender. Olga of Kiev remains a symbol of resilience and authority, a ruler whose impact shaped the course of Eastern European history.
About Solid Gold ✨
Solid gold is the best option if you:
1. Want to wear your piece forever or pass it down as an heirloom. Solid gold will last for centuries without degrading.
2. Want to invest in jewelry as an asset rather than an accessory. Gold traditionally appreciates in value and can always be melted down and made into a new piece
Unlike many brands, our gold is never hollow - it is always 100% solid, cast using the lost wax method, meaning there is a lot more gold in each piece.
Our gold is 100% certified recycled and each piece is handcrafted here in New York.
Product Details
When will my piece ship? 🚚
Gold Vermeil pieces ship same day or next business day.
We keep a small inventory of solid gold pieces - please check about the 'Add to Cart' button to see if your piece is in stock.
If not, it will display the estimated ship time so that we can custom make it for you in our NYC studio.
What does Traditional Retail Price mean? 💸
Most brands sell through boutiques and department stores, where the pricing model is usually a 2 - 4x markup from their wholesale price. For example, the jewelry brand sells the piece to the store for $1000, and then the store sells it to you for $2,500.
Because Common Era sells directly from our studio, we can give our customers the same pricing we would be giving to wholesale stores.
About Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil, pronounced ver-may, is a french term for a style of gold plating that is regulated by the federal government. Unlike "gold plated" jewelry, vermeil must always be on a solid 925 sterling silver base - rather than brass - with at least 2.5 microns thickness of gold. This is 3 times thicker than normal gold plating.
This makes vermeil a longer lasting product than gold plated jewelry, as well as more valuable because it's composed entirely of precious metals.
Complete the look:
FAQ
When will my order ship?
All pieces except for made-to-order solid gold will ship within 24 hours on business days.
Solid gold orders ship from our NYC studio and the time to ship is indicated above the "Add to cart" button on those pieces.
What if my piece is lost in the mail?
This is in incredibly rare, but if it happens we will make it right with a free replacement.
Solid gold pieces are always shipped with signature required to ensure this doesn't happen.
Does your jewelry come in a box or a pouch?
Both! Our packaging is made in Chicago and consists of a peach-colored vegan suede pouch in a branded box, so they’re easy to wrap up as gifts.
The Making of a Molten Gold Ring
Each solid gold piece is made in our New York City studio from 100% recycled 14 karat gold. Come behind the bench as we craft a Molten Medusa Ring
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