Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, in a commentary for the Prime described the composition of Russia's state awards. According to the expert, the two highest insignia are crafted using the rare and expensive 950-carat gold, which is almost never found in the jewelry industry.
"The Order of Merit for the Motherland, 1st Class (one of the highest awards) is made from gold-silver-copper alloys, and the main body of one such award must contain approximately 49.36 grams of high-purity 950 gold (a rare and expensive gold grade in the jewelry industry). The Gold Star medal should contain slightly less gold, i.e., 21 grams," the expert explained.
Antonina Levashenko also clarified the composition of other awards, which are primarily made of silver-copper alloys. "The content may vary depending on the award's grade. For example, the Order of Merit for the Motherland, 2nd and 3rd class, must contain approximately 30 grams of silver, while the 4th class award contains slightly less, 18.27 grams," she noted.
The expert also focused on the value of the awards which is determined not only by weight of precious metals but also by the complexity of their manufacture, particularly, hot enameling technique. “The cost of the item increases because each color is applied and burned separately, requiring multiple steps by the craftsman,” she added, citing the use of ruby enamel for the Order of Merit for the Motherland as an example.