The cameo of the Russian icon "The Directress" is hand carved on carnelian shell. They are set in 14kt gold and can be worn either as a pin or pendant. Some styles are available with genuine seed pearls. There may be variations between cameos as each is hand carved.

Hand carved cameos of this type were popular during Byzantine times. There are many fine examples that can be found in museum collections from the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries.

The type for the "Directress", or "Odigitria", icon of the Mother of God was first painted by the Evangelist Luke. Icons painted after this type have been the source of healing, guidance and protection from enemies. When the armies of the Persian king Chozroes and the leader of the Scythians attacked Constantinople, Patriarch Sergius carried the icon around the city walls and their enemies fell into confusion and fled.