‘The Law’ Cufflinks

This model, shaped as a shield, is a stylised replica of the Pillar of the Law, a historically established Russian emblem for law-enforcement since 1801. After the October Revolution of 1917 this symbol has fallen out of use, but is back in effect nowadays as part of various Russian federal agencies’ insignia. Placed in the centre of the shield is a column made of silver. The horizontal inscription in the middle of the column reads: “The Law”; the Emperor’s crown with a cross mounts its top. The double foundation of the column bears a Latin aphorism «Dura lex, sed lex». It is duplicated on the back side of the cufflinks and supplemented by a translation into Russian: "The law is harsh, but it is the law."