Elegant and Enduring: The Fabergé Egg

All you need to know about the most valuable egg ever made.

In 1885 the brilliant goldsmith Peter Carl Fabergé accepted a commission from Russian Emperor Alexander III to create a special Easter gift for his wife. This first Fabergé egg, the so-called Hen Egg was born: an intricate white enameled bauble that opened to reveal a golden yolk and two golden hens.

The Empress was of course entranced and an annual tradition was born. Fabergé would go on to create some sixty ever-more elaborate eggs from 1885 –1916. Each egg was crafted to reveal an inner surprise such as the miniature equestrian statue of Peter the Great inside the Peter the Great egg.

Today the house of Fabergé revisits these legendary creations as treasures for contemporary life.

Pendant eggs reinterpret many of the theme of the eggs for today’s tastes. The Palais Tsarskoye Selo Red Monkey Locket, for example, features red guilloché enamel and round white diamonds, set in 18 karat rose gold. The locket opens to reveal an 18 karat rose gold monkey with ruby-set eyes, in honour of Chinese Year of the Monkey.

The enduring charm of the egg motif is also on view in this vintage Judith Leiber’s Fabergé Egg Minaudière. Crystals and golden bows adorn the blue enamel piece for the ultimate in evening clutches.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sophie Duvall is an email marketer living in the Texas Hill Country. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in journalism her passions include travel, design, and – like every true Texan – queso.

Photos courtesy of Faberge