Fabergé Eggs

Brief History of Fabergé Eggs

Fabergé is an iconic name in the world of jewellery, first growing to popularity in the 1840’s, the work of Fabergé now world renowned. The company grew to importance due to Carl Fabergé’s work for the Russian imperial family. The first ‘egg’, the Hen Egg, was a gift from the Tsar to his wife. She was so delighted upon receiving the present, that the Tsar commissioned one for every Easter
following, and gave Fabergé the title ‘Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown’. The company continued to grow in popularity until 1918, when Fabergé was seized by the Bolsheviks. The stock was confiscated and the business was nationalised. In 1924, Carl’s sons who had managed to escape the revolution reformed the company, and therefore began to rebuild with a continued focus
on the quality of craftsmanship. In 1990, Victor Mayer GmbH began their relationship with Fabergé, and became the official workmasters. Victor Mayer (1857-1946), the company founder, embodied the philosophy of Fabergé. His focus was to produce high-quality design, with skilled craftsmanship.  The company has never forgotten their historic roots and continues to pay homage to the original Fabergé and the relationship they once shared with the Russian royal family in their continued production of limited edition eggs until 2009.

Our Eggs

Previously at Fellows we have had seven stunning examples of Fabergé eggs created in collaboration with the workmaster Victor Mayer. Among the most impressive are three eggs from the same collection, The Four Seasons collection.

The Four Seasons

Mayer’s ‘The Four Seasons’ collection drew inspiration from Vivaldi’s composition of the same name and features the Spring Egg (1996), Winter Egg (1997), Autumn Egg (1998), and the Summer Egg (1999). Each Egg has a musical element and therefore plays their theme from Vivaldi. For example, the Spring Egg plays the ‘spring theme’ and so on. Each are delicately crafted, a testament to the workmanship of modern Fabergé. The eggs in this collection were each limited to an edition of ten, therefore they are highly sought after and rare.

The Spring Egg

The Spring Egg was first shown at the World’s Exhibition in Basel. This Egg in particular pays homage to the Czar’s jeweller, Peter Carl Fabergé, as his 150th anniversary was celebrated the same year this egg was exhibited – 1996. Following the tradition of the Imperial Eggs, the Spring Egg has a surprise, not only is it musical, but when the egg is opened it reveals it’s hidden bouquet of citrine, blue topaz, and amethyst flowers, crowned with enamel leaves. The bouquet is mechanical, and therefore turns to the music.  

The Winter Egg

Victor Mayer’s Winter Egg is not to be confused with the imperial Winter Egg. This egg is a gift to Maria Feodorovna by her son Nicholas II in 1913. Supposedly, its now owned by Emir of Qatar. Mayer’s Winter Egg was first exhibited to the public in 1997 at the Inhorgenta Jewellery Exhibition in Munich. The Egg is mounted on a Chalcedony plinth. Nested in a cluster of naturally grown rock crystals and is decorated with shining blue enamel and delicate white gold snowflakes. The yellow-gold horse-drawn sleigh should move gently to the sound of Vivaldi around the central mountain that turns in the opposite direction.

The Summer Egg

The third egg from the collection that is going into our auction is the 1999 Summer Egg. Decorated with vibrant yellow enamel and topped with a translucent dome, the piece is charming addition to any collection. The dome has a masterfully created gold dragonfly, which gently sits upon an enamel lily pad.  This egg is musical, similarly to the other eggs. There is a small button that can be pressed, therefore, bring the egg to life. Vivaldi plays as dragonfly takes flight, turning around the delicate lily pad.

Auction Details

Fine Jewellery | Thursday 21st November 2024

Viewing times (ID required):

London

Tuesday 12th November 12:00-19:00

Wednesday 13th November 10:00-16:00

Birmingham

Tuesday 19th November 10:00-16:00

Wednesday 20th November 10:00-16:00

Thursday 21th November 8:30-10:00

Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know to buy with confidence. Find out more here.