The Jewel Album of Tsar Nicholas II, by von Solodkoff

[Russian_Duchess_#5]

Ah, yes, what Mr. Hall posted were the first 2 pages from the section of the book that is the Tsar's records of his jewels.
He (Nicholas II) numbered each one of his jewels (look at the top of each entry) with N _. (blank stands for the actual number).
His entries were handwritten , of course, and you can see that beside each entry, there is a handpainted image of the item.
Within each entry, the Tsar also notes on what date he recieved the jewel and from whom.
The Tsar was a very immaculate man, as you can see from this; he even hand-numbered every other page!  :osuch patience!

Sofia

[Belochka]

The Regalia of the Russian Empire. 235 pages, 214 coloured illustrations. ... An absolutely beautiful piece of work, according to me.

//Grigorevna

Hi Grigorevna,

I am unable to agree completely with your glowing comments over this publication.

This book is disappointing by its lack of text. Big glossy pictures may be fine but I had expected more information about the actual coronation ceremony itself for at least Nikolai II, rather than a generalized incomplete description. Sadly in that later section of the book the authors chose to focus more on the tragedy of Khodinskoe Pole rather than the spiritual occassion the day presented - and this is but one example of inadequate presentation.

Shamefully the soviets chose to sell many items from this splendid collection on the international market. Such stupidity, whereby an important element of Russian history and culture will probably never be reconciled.  A part of Russia's splendid heritage was destroyed.

[Romanov_fan]

Does this book have alot of formal photos? I have read that it does. If it does, or doesn't please say so. I am particularly looking for otma formal photos 1913/1914, and I want to buy the book with the most. Please post and tell me.

[Ortino]

I have found a mint condition copy on Ebay for only $27 USD, a rather great steal in my opinion. I paid $60 for mine. I suggest that anyone who's been looking for this book take advantage!

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-JEWELL-ALBUM-OF-TSAR-NICHOLAS-II-by-Solodkoff_W0QQitemZ300004305296QQihZ020QQcategoryZ46351QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Sarushka]

Does this book have alot of formal photos? I have read that it does. If it does, or doesn't please say so. I am particularly looking for otma formal photos 1913/1914, and I want to buy the book with the most. Please post and tell me.

No, this book features primarily informal snapshots, many of them from the private collection of Alix's sister, Princess Irene. There are perhaps a dozen formal photos throughout the book, and I don't believe any of them are from 1913 or 1914.

[katieann]

I bought this book a few years ago from Amazon UK and it was £25 which I thought was quite expensive.  But, I do like it - and my favourite items are the 5 sets of Faberge cufflinks Alexandra gave Nicholas to celebrate the birth of each child - a lovely, romantic idea.

[Sarai_Porretta]

A copy of this increasingly hard to find book has been listed on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170119665522

[TheAce1918]

I've read it before, but never really fell in love with it to want to try and save hundreds for it.
That being said, the fact that its being sold for that much is quite the steal!  If it weren't for that bloody credit card requirement. 

[Sarushka]

A copy of this increasingly hard to find book has been listed on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170119665522

That is a nice opening bid -- I haven't seen The Jewel Album for less than $75 in a loooong time. I wonder what the reserve price is, though...?

[Kitt]

I realize that this is an old topic. Excuse my great happiness to have just  finally gotten a copy of The Jewel Album.  I have seen this book sell for as much as 4 and 5 hundred dollars. I wasn't going to pay that. I kept a search on eBay, and searched results of other searches; even signed onto the United Kingdom eBay site. About 2 weeks ago the Jewel Album came up from a seller from the United Kingdom.. $47 plus around $5 shipping. It was posited only 2 hours before I found it.  Shipping was really fast.  It is truly a beautiful book. So for those who would like to own this book at a reasonable price, keep searching and be patient. It can be found.
All the best, Kitt

[Sarai_Porretta]

Kitt, thank you for sharing your story. I sold my copy of this book last year because I needed the money, and I still regret it. It's the only book from my Romanov collection that I've sold and I would never do it again. Your story gives me hope that I can still find a reasonably priced copy available out there one day to replace my old one.

I realize that this is an old topic. Excuse my great happiness to have just  finally gotten a copy of The Jewel Album.  I have seen this book sell for as much as 4 and 5 hundred dollars. I wasn't going to pay that. I kept a search on eBay, and searched results of other searches; even signed onto the United Kingdom eBay site. About 2 weeks ago the Jewel Album came up from a seller from the United Kingdom.. $47 plus around $5 shipping. It was posited only 2 hours before I found it.  Shipping was really fast.  It is truly a beautiful book. So for those who would like to own this book at a reasonable price, keep searching and be patient. It can be found.
All the best, Kitt

[Kitt]

Over the years I have collected some fine books on the Romanovs.  Many were found at extemely low prices such as 99 cents in a library book sale.  I think that apart from their beauty and sentiment, that a lot of the joy for me is in the "hunt".  As I've gotten older, I am amazed that I can cull and dispose of items that once meant so much to me. I think I would save my Romanov books to the last though.
All the best, Kitt

[Robert_Hall]

I know the feeling well, Kitt. Last year I re-catalogued my library. Over 5,000 titles.  I made a feeble attempt at culling. and  did get rid of several duplicate Romanov titles. Including the Jewel Album. Which I now regert, almost. I still havew a pile I have not decided what to do with, but agin- duplicates so they  must go one way or the other.

[Sarai_Porretta]

I am very happy to have received a copy of this book after having paid only $20 USD for it! I found it through Abebooks, I had it on my search and it came to me from a Canadian bookseller. I used to have this book a few years ago and sold it for upwards of $100. I regretted selling it but found listings for it too expensive, well over $100 in many cases (some as insanely high as $700!). I couldn't believe I got such a great price, it was less than I originally paid for it when it first came out in the late 90's. It is in excellent condition, only thing is it's missing the green slipcase, the pages are very subtly yellowed around the edges, and has a couple little writings on the first page, but otherwise is great!

[Teddy]

Congratulations, re-buying this book. I also search for this book. But I know for sure, that one day, that I will get this book.