The Faberge egg is a unique and luxurious work of art that has become synonymous with Russian opulence and grandeur. Created in the late 19th century by jeweler Peter Carl Faberge, these exquisite eggs were commissioned by Tsar Alexander III as Easter gifts for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna.
Crafted from precious metals and encrusted with jewels, they quickly became popular among Russia’s royal families and aristocrats who sought to demonstrate their wealth through extravagant displays of luxury.
As the decades passed, their popularity spread beyond Russia’s borders to capture the imagination of tourists and collectors around the world.
Today, these beautiful works are considered priceless artifacts that offer insight into an era when craftsmanship was highly valued in society.
History: Creation & Ownership
History is full of interesting objects and artifacts, each with its own unique story. Faberge Eggs are a particular treasure and have been some of the most popular pieces in the art world. Faberge eggs are intricate works of art, born from a collaboration between Faberge Jewelers and Russia’s royal family.
The Faberge eggs consist of a jewel-encrusted eggshell that opens to reveal, in precious metal or gems, a surprise miniature inside. These tiny treasures were made from 1885 to 1916 for Tsar Alexander III and his successors up until WWI.
Not only were Faberge eggs created for owning, but for gifting to friends, families, and loved ones — even being included on the list of gifts presented by Russian Royals at special occasions such as Easter.
These Faberge eggs remain historically fascinating today due to their level of craftsmanship and inclusion into royal culture; they leave us with stories that may remain untold but still draw our interest throughout centuries.
Design: Craftsmanship & Artistry
Faberge Eggs are a stunning example of the craftsmanship and artistry which can be achieved through design. The series of fifty bejewelled eggs were originally made for the Russian Czars and conquerors from 1885 to 1916 by Faberge House, and each one has its own distinct style, intricacy, and beauty.
Most Faberge Eggs were constructed from gold or silver but often decorated with semi-precious stones such as fancy jaspers and quartz varieties. They featured ornately designed frames with diamond-encrusted hinges and clasps to secure them shut, while some also included Faberge additions like tiny mechanical dancers or tiny surprise eggs that were hidden inside and could fit into the palm of a hand.
Faberge Eggs represent an amazing level of artistry combined with detail-oriented workmanship rarely seen today.
Materials: Jewels & Precious Metals
Faberge’s designs have been described as producing “jewel-encrusted Easter eggs of dazzling complexity.” Many Faberge pieces were made from gold, silver, enamels, gems, and rare stones. Faberge was known for his expertise in combining precious metals with semi-precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, pearls, and sapphires to create works of art that transcended mere jewelry.
Faberge’s jewelry combines artistic expression with high craftsmanship; exquisite detail and beautiful colors radiate from each piece.
Faberge pioneered a new range of techniques in jewelry making, being fond of blending rich ornamental designs with unexpected materials like ivory or rock crystal. His creations remain celebrated today as symbols of luxury and beauty.
Popularity: Royal Collectors & Tourists
Faberge eggs have maintained a lasting legacy of popularity amongst royal collectors and tourists alike.
Today, these handcrafted treasures serve as popular souvenirs and can be found everywhere from small gift shops to luxury boutiques around the globe. Faberge eggs often have intricate designs reminiscent of beautiful works of art and embody traditional Russian culture and craftsmanship in a single piece.
Royal collectors are often eager to add Faberge pieces to their collection, given the rarity and remarkable beauty of such objects.
Tourists, on the other hand, seek Faberge eggs as lasting reminders of travels throughout Russia – traditionally one of the top destinations for Faberge enthusiasts worldwide.
Legacy: Lasting Impression
Faberge eggs have long been considered one of the most defining legacies of imperial Russia. Faberge eggs, jewel-encrusted Faberge egg pendants, Faberge egg frames, and Faberge clocks were crafted from stones, enamel, and precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum.
Created for Russian tsar Alexander III in 1885 as a present for his wife Empress Maria Feodorovna for Easter Sunday, Faberge eggs rapidly expanded into a much sought-after symbol of wealth and luxury and became highly collectible. Hence, Faberge egg collections made for other members of the court are still considered major works of art today, giving proof of the lasting impression these creations have made in both history and culture.
Largest Eggs Collection in the world
One private collector, Viktor Vekselberg, has managed to acquire fifteen Faberge Eggs, the single largest collection of Faberge eggs in the world.
His carefully-curated assortment consists of nine Imperial Fabergé pieces, two Kelch Fabergé eggs, and four other Fabergé eggs. This impressive achievement underscores his immense admiration for Faberge’s craftsmanship and his commitment to preserving these gems for generations to come.
Do Faberge Eggs Ever Sell at Auction?
Faberge eggs are exquisite works of art and their values are far higher than traditional eggs. Faberge eggs can be worth anywhere between tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the craftsmanship, rarity, and history behind the piece.
Over 55 Faberge eggs were made in total by the Russian goldsmith and master jeweler Faberge and his workshop during the late 19th century. For many years Faberge Eggs have remained collector’s items due to the intricate detail and stories associated with them.
However, some Faberge Eggs do go up for auction from time to time. This is a rare occurrence since only a handful out of the over 55 original Faberge Eggs that exist, have ever been sold at auction.
Prices today at auction would likely be in the $5m to $35m but that is just a rough estimate based on past auctions and private sales.
Conclusion: Valuable Artworks
Faberge eggs have been a symbol of wealth and luxury for centuries. From the intricate designs to the precious materials used, these creations are truly works of art that will remain timelessly admired throughout history.
They represent an amazing level of craftsmanship rarely seen today and serve as both royal collector’s items and popular souvenirs from Russia.
Faberge eggs embody traditional Russian culture with their ornate details, breath-taking beauty, and luxurious use of stones, enamel, gold, silver, and platinum – all combined to create valuable artworks that make a lasting impression on those who admire them.
