Ultimate Card

While passing through Paris, a year ago, a friend from Moscow asked to meet with me so he could show me a small marvel that had, after five years, been perfected: a bank card in solid gold; inlaid with rare and precious stones, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, coral and incrusted with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies… I was faced with half a dozen of these incredible objects, tiny works of art with traditional themes: Art Nouveau flowers, Art Deco and Egyptian designs… The card done in solid gold is a real jewel, imposing in its weight, magnificent in its decoration: true purity, with the exception of a microchip discretely hidden in the gold. No letters, no numbers, no magnetic strip or logos – anonymity in good taste. I couldn’t believe the incredible work and fine detail done by the goldsmiths; true heirs of Fabergé. In my mind, I already saw these cards sitting among the Imperial Hermitage eggs. I barraged my host with thousands of questions about this wonderful card. It was unbelievable but true; “the ultimate card” was right before my eyes. Following our excited discussions during which we feverishly presented our ideas for the international development of this project, we agreed: I would write and design an art book that would celebrate the work of Moscow’s incredible artisan goldsmiths and stone-cutters. One year later, you are holding the finished book.

In spite of all the care that we have brought to these photos and to the iconography, nothing compares to the magic of holding the actual card in your hand – you have to study it under different angles, admire its transparence, and appreciate the infinite care brought to the engraving, careful color choice, and the meticulous insertion of precious stones… The “Precious Card” is a true artistic creation that blends the talent of the card’s designers with the different goldsmiths’ wealth of expertise. Like a sculpture or work of art, one could admire these cards all the time and never fail to find something new and special in their beauty. I hope that this book inspires you to discover these cards for yourself and, even better, to become a happy owner of one… maybe even collect them. Why not?

Didier Brodbeck,
founder of the jewelry magazine A World of Dreams,
author of several books on gems, pearls, diamonds and watchmaking,
marketing consultant for luxury products.