The insignia of the Order consisted of a star and a badge. The star was diamond shaped, unlike most Russian and European insignia that usually were octagonal. The badge was a white enamel cross with the image of St. George the Victorious in the center. When awarded to non-Christians, the Christian Saint was replaced with the double-headed eagle from the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. The knight of the Order was entitled to an annual pension; when he died, his widow would receive the pension for another year.

The award was established in honour of Saint George, also called ‘the Victorious’, one of the most revered saints in the Christian tradition. He lived in the fourth century AD, during the Great Persecution of Christians; he refused to renounce his faith and was beheaded. By far the most famous legend associated with St. George is the story of how he slew a serpent-like dragon who terrorized a pagan town that sacrificed its young men and women to please the monster. Impressed by the miraculous rescue, the townspeople converted to Christianity. With time St. George’s feat became a symbol of victory over the Devil and evil.