The Star of St.St. Andrew the First-Called with rhinestones with a crown Order of St. Andrew the First-Called (Imperial Order of St. Andrew St. Andrew the First—Called) is the very first Russian order, the highest award in Russia before 1917 and after 1998. It was established in 1698 or 1699 by Peter the Great and was the highest order of the Russian Empire until 1917. The signs of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called consisted of the actual sign-the cross, the main image of which was St. Andrew, crucified, according to legend, on an X-shaped cross, and a silver eight-pointed star with the motto of the order "For Faith and Fidelity" placed in its central medallion. The badge of the order was worn on a wide blue ribbon over the right shoulder, and the star was placed on the left side of the chest. On special occasions, the badge of the order was worn on the chest, on a gold figured chain covered with multicolored enamels (see photo). The only one of all the Russian orders that had a chain. In total, 900 to 1100 people were awarded in the Russian Empire according to various sources. In 1998, the Order was restored as the highest award of the Russian Federation (see the article Order of St. Andrew the First-Called of the Russian Federation).