The expression "Russian style" has long become a well-known brand worldwide. Folk traits can be found not only in architecture, painting, ballet, and music, but also in jewelry art. One of the most significant companies in this field was founded by Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. His fate is remarkable. He was born on June 23, 1830, into a family of serf peasants belonging to the minister of the imperial court, Peter Volkonsky. Volkonsky was a kind man and treated the peasants well. Noticing Ovchinnikov's talent for drawing, he sent him to study in Moscow. There, Pavel Akimovich began to learn the basics of jewelry making. In 1850, he bought his freedom and opened his own business.

Ovchinnikov attracted buyers and connoisseurs with his high craftsmanship and artistic taste. His vases, decanters, rings, and earrings had already become rare exhibits. In 1861, his jewelry was presented abroad. In France, Pavel Akimovich amazed everyone with his work "Monument to the Liberation of the Serfs," adorned with reliefs depicting the reading of Alexander II's Manifesto and figures of peasants sowing grain. In the national style, Ovchinnikov created ladles, boxes, and kitchen crouton holders. In 1882, the King of Italy purchased a silver breadbasket with a napkin, which was made so elegantly that it seemed not metallic, but fabric-like.

Over time, the masters of the Ovchinnikov firm mastered stained enamel. By the way, some of Pavel Akimovich's gold and silver jewelry were in the personal collection of Alexander III. The folk craftsman passed away in 1888 at the peak of his fame. Perhaps it was for the best, as he did not witness the decline of his firm, which closed in 1917.