Broche de demoiselle d’honneur in the numerals of Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna (1881-1894) and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (1894-1917), in gold-lined vermeil entirely paved with brilliants (original diamonds loosened and replaced) and surmounted by an imperial crown. One stone missing. Russia, reign of Nicholas II (1896-1917). No apparent hallmark. H. 7.6 x L. 4.8 cm. Gross weight: 29.2 g. History Being a bridesmaid in Tsarist Russia was considered a very prestigious position. From the reign of Empress Catherine II onwards, the ladies-in-waiting of Russian empresses wore "maid of honor" numbers bearing the monogram of the person they served. These precious brooches were adorned with diamonds and attached to a bow of blue ribbon in the color of the Order of Saint Andrew, which the ladies wore on the left side of the bodice. The lapel was either openwork or solid. When a new empress ascended the throne, or when a dowager empress died, the monogram was changed. In addition to the title of maid of honor and the cipher brooch, they also received other notable privileges, such as a pension for life. Literature U. Tillander-Goldenhielm, "The Russian Imperial Award System", 2005.