At the end of the 19th century, Peter Carl Fabergé created a series of masterpieces commissioned by Tsar Alexander III of Russia as a special Easter gift for the Empress. Today, these treasures are known as Fabergé eggs.
Over a century ago, in 1885, Tsar Alexander III of Russia commissioned a masterwork that would become the first in a legendary series: a jeweled egg for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, created by Peter Carl Fabergé.
Originally intended as a singular Easter gift, its beauty and ingenuity led the Tsar to request a new design annually—giving birth to what we now know as the renowned Fabergé eggs.
One of the most intricate and celebrated of these creations, the Mosaic Egg from 1914, was designed by Alma Theresia Pihl. She was one of the few women working as a designer in the House of Fabergé during the early 20th century and hailed from a family of esteemed artisans. Her lineage included a grandfather who served as chief jeweler and an uncle revered for his skills in goldsmithing—an artistic legacy that shaped her exceptional contributions.
The Hen Egg, produced in 1885, was the inaugural Fabergé creation for the royal family. This elegant piece was more than a token of festivity—it was also meant to lift the Empress’s spirits during a period marked by political unrest and threats against the monarchy. While it was crafted as a one-time gesture, the gift sparked a royal tradition that continued for decades.
In 1913, Fabergé unveiled the Winter Egg, an exquisite example of craftsmanship that stunned with its icy brilliance. Its surprise—a platinum basket brimming with flowers made from gold, demantoid garnets, and over 1,300 diamonds—captivated collectors. In 2002, this egg was sold at auction for an impressive $9.6 million to a private buyer, underscoring the immense value of these imperial artifacts.
The Coronation Egg, created in 1897, marked a historic moment for Empress Alexandra as it commemorated her coronation alongside Tsar Nicholas II. Lavishly decorated in multicolored gold and enamel, it contained a detachable replica of a ceremonial coach used by Russian royalty. This egg eventually came into the possession of collector Malcolm Forbes in 1979 and now resides in the Viktor Vekselberg Collection at the Fabergé Museum in St. Petersburg.
One particularly dramatic tale involves the Third Imperial Easter Egg, crafted in 1887. After the Russian Revolution, this rare treasure was lost amid the chaos, only to surface decades later in the hands of an unsuspecting scrap metal dealer. Initially bought for just over $13,000, it was later appraised at $33 million once experts recognized its true provenance. The egg now belongs to a private collection.
Among the most sentimental creations is the Rosebud Egg, presented in 1895 by Nicholas II to Princess Alexandra. Adorned with rich enamel and jewels, it contained a delicate yellow rose designed to evoke the blooming gardens of her hometown in Darmstadt, Germany. This egg, too, found its way into the Forbes collection before becoming part of the Fabergé Museum in Russia.
Over time, these Fabergé eggs have not only fascinated historians and collectors but also inspired a scholarly tradition. Among the leading experts is Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé’s curatorial director, who continues to celebrate their enduring legacy with passion and precision.
If you enjoyed this article about Fabergé eggs, please share it. Check out more news in the Discover section.
Ingresa los siguientes datos y comienza a disfrutar de nuestra revista digital.
