Jewellery & Watch News
Faberge’s Egg creations are some of the most iconic, but what makes the Egg synonymous with gifting at Easter time? Find out here.
The beguiling, jewelled Eggs that suspend “objets d’art” inside them are one of the most magnificent concepts created by Peter Carl Faberge, and have become almost mythical in reputation. With a history that traces its roots back to the Russian Empire, you may be wondering how these exquisite works of art came to be so closely associated with Easter. After all, the time of year is marked by religious traditions and spans centuries of cultures and continents. However, the Faberge Egg remains a symbol of regal sophistication, opulence, and perfected craftsmanship. The alluring oval-shaped constructions are crafted from precious metals and adorned with gemstones of every colour of the rainbow. They also make for some of the most timeless gift ideas at Easter….
What came first?
In this story, the egg came after. Faberge was founded in 1845, and during the 19th century, the tradition of exchanging these eggs as gifts at Easter became prominent. The first Imperial Egg was designed in 1885 and was gifted to Empress Maria Feodorovna by Russian Emperor Alexander III. The enamel and jewel-adorned egg revealed a solid gold hen inside containing a diamond crown and miniature ruby egg. Faberge Eggs soon became a symbol of power and wealth. Members of European royalty also owned these exquisite items as symbols of status.
Ever since then, Faberge Eggs have played a key role in the Russian Imperial family’s celebration of Easter – each one bearing a special Easter message. Some of those 50 eggs created by Faberge for the Russian royal family include The Coronation Egg and the Rosebud Egg. The hidden treasures within them symbolised the hope and joy of resurrection.
Sadly, in 1917, many Eggs were confiscated during the Russian Revolution. The new Soviet government sold them, dispersing many of these famous designs across the world. Some found their way to museums, whilst others found a home in the collections of some of the most devoted Faberge fans. Today, they are considered sought-after items, many selling for millions of pounds at auction houses around the globe. Interestingly, seven Egg designs still remain lost, while others became collector’s items owned by avid historians and collectors alike.
Today, Faberge Eggs are still a cherished symbol of Easter and a part of a modern-day tradition, worn as pieces of jewellery. As Easter is a time of year associated with the tradition of decorating eggs, it’s likely you’ll never look at a beautifully decorated piece of confectionary without thinking of its stored history. As a symbol of renewal and new beginnings, there is no wrong time to wear a piece of Faberge Egg Jewellery. These necklaces remain iconic and are a thoughtful gift idea for a loved one regardless of the time of year.
One of the most appealing hallmarks of modern-day Faberge Egg necklaces is their richly coloured enamels, which the famed manufacturer combines with exquisite gemstones and scintillating diamonds. These striking creations all pay homage to the original Imperial Eggs but in a wholly modern way.
Faberge Heritage 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Guilloché Enamel Waterlily Surprise Locket, 1151FP3636
One of the most striking pieces of Faberge’s current collection is the Heritage Water Lily Surprise Locket, which features a solid 18ct yellow gold egg and chain with a blue guilloche enamel surface set with round diamonds. The locket opens up to reveal an 18ct yellow gold and green enamel waterlily pad that puts a pink mother-of-pearl flower centre stage.
Faberge Heritage Yellow Gold Diamond Red Guilloche Enamel Wild Rose Surprise Locket 1151FP3640
Another eye-catching design is Faberge’s interpretation of the wild rose. This locket, crafted from 18ct yellow gold, features a decorated red guilloche enamel and diamond surface that opens to reveal a breathtaking yellow gold and pink guilloche enamel rose set with a single round brilliant-cut diamond. As with all the designs from the Faberge Heritage collection, the Egg honours the traditional materials and complex techniques employed by some of the most talented artisans at Freberg’s design house.
Faberge Heritage Yellow Gold Diamond Purple Guilloche Enamel Anemone Surprise Locket 1151FP3638
The exuberant Heritage Anemone Surprise Locket is intricately decorated in 18ct yellow gold accents and shrouded in a deep purple enamel surface. Behind the meticulous diamond decoration, a blue guilloche enamel anemone sits, set with a single round diamond and an entrancing green emerald gemstone. Each of the Surprise Lockets is completed on a gold-crafted 50cm long chain with adjustment loops at the fastening end for the perfect fit.
Faberge Essence 18ct Rose Gold Ruby Set Rose Surprise Locket 1258FP3545
For those who prefer the simplicity of an unadorned Egg, the Essence, as its name would suggest, is stripped down to the soul of Faberge’s expert craftsmanship. This understated design conceals a heart-shaped rose crafted from red and green enamel, embracing a Mozambican ruby sourced from Gemfields’ mines. The design is encased in an 18ct rose gold structure and is suspended by a diamond-set bale.
Faberge Heritage 18ct Gold White Enamel Locket with Mother of Pearl Flower Surprise 1151FP3368
The Faberge Heritage Flower Surprise is an ethereal design that combines the lustre of 18ct white gold with the lightness of irredescent mother of pearl. The shell, set with glistening round brilliant-cut diamonds, opens up to reveal the mother-of-pearl flower centrepiece – a bloom that holds a single diamond at its centre. The white gold detailing on this design combines with a contrasting 18ct gold chain, blending tradition with modernity perfectly.
Whether enjoyed at Easter time or not, Faberge Eggs will always be a vibrant and lavish collectable in which to indulge. Celebrating masterpieces from the past with the brand’s delicate guilloche enameling skills, there is nothing quite like a Surprise Locket from Faberge. A Faberge Egg pendant will effortlessly elevate any outfit and serve as a special heirloom to hand down the family line in years to come. If you’d like more information on any of Faberge’s Egg designs, call and speak to a member of our C W Sellors sales team today on 01335 216004 or email us on sales@cwsellors.com.
