Faberge Eggs, those exquisite decorative eggs gifted during Easter, trace their roots back to the workshop of Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia. According to Britannica, these lavish eggs were crafted between 1885 and 1917.
Curious about these luxurious eggs? Let’s explore some captivating facts about Fabergé Eggs.
Interesting Facts about Fabergé Eggs
Behind the opulence, Fabergé Eggs boast a series of captivating facts. Here’s a rundown from Jewellery Discovery:
First Fabergé Egg for the Russian Royal Family
The journey of Fabergé Eggs began in 1885 when Emperor Alexander III commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to create a grand Easter gift for Empress Maria Feodorovna. Initially envisioning a diamond ring inside the egg, the Emperor suggested a change – a pendant with a ruby. The first Fabergé Egg was born, featuring a white outer shell that, when opened, revealed a golden egg with a golden hen inside. The hen held an imperial crown with a precious ruby pendant. Impressed by this beautiful Easter gift, Empress Maria encouraged the tradition, leading to Fabergé crafting an egg each year.
A Total of Dozens of Fabergé Eggs
In total, Fabergé created 69 Easter eggs from 1885 to 1917. These eggs, famously known as Fabergé Eggs, became symbols of luxury and grandeur. Among them, 50 were Imperial Eggs made for the Russian Imperial family, while others were crafted for nobility and the elite.
Unaccounted Fabergé Eggs
Out of the 69 original Fabergé Eggs, only 61 are accounted for today. The whereabouts of the remaining eight are unknown. During the Russian Revolution of 1917, when the Romanov family fell from power, 50 Imperial Eggs were looted and scattered worldwide. One of the lost treasures is The Imperial Fabergé Necessaire Egg, adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. It was last seen in June 1952 when it was sold for £1250, equivalent to £24 million in today’s currency.
Discovery in a Flea Market
In 2014, an American scrap-metal dealer accidentally purchased a Fabergé Egg at a flea market for $13,300. When trying to resell it, potential buyers backed out, deeming the price too high. Upon closer inspection, the scrap-metal dealer discovered that the egg, valued at £20 million, was a long-lost imperial treasure.
Current Owners of Fabergé Eggs
Fabergé Eggs are now prized collectibles, mainly owned by museums and private collectors. The Kremlin Armory Museum in Moscow proudly displays 10 Fabergé Imperial Eggs. The late Queen Elizabeth II inherited three Fabergé Eggs from King George V and Queen Mary. Notably, private collector Viktor Vekselberg holds the record, owning 15 Fabergé Eggs, including nine Imperial Eggs from the Forbes collection, purchased for a staggering $100 million.
A Year to Craft Each Fabergé Egg
Crafting these masterpieces required a highly skilled and meticulous team of jewelers at Fabergé. The entire process, from design to creation, took a year for each egg. The hidden surprises within each Fabergé Egg were carefully guarded, requiring time and perfection in conceptualization.
Inspired by Imperial Eggs
In homage to the Russian Imperial tradition, Fabergé collaborated with the Al-Fardan family, renowned pearl collectors worldwide. This collaboration aimed to create beautiful eggs reminiscent of the imperial style. One such egg, inspired by pearls found in oysters, featured a shell that could be opened to reveal a 12.17-carat gray pearl from the Arabian Gulf.
And there you have it – a glimpse into the world of Fabergé Eggs, the epitome of luxury and grandeur. Who knew eggs could be so extraordinary?