Fabergé’s era drenched in gems and gold
Let’s be honest—unless you’re into bling-bling or over-the-top glamour kitsch, The Russian aristocrat style isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. In pre-revolutionary Russia, wealth was tightly held by a small elite of aristocrats, landowners, and royal family members. Their world was a dazzling display of jewels and gold, showcasing some of history’s most opulent designs.
This time was undeniable majestic. Imagine strolling among the nobility to understand Fabergé’s concepts. It’s easy to see why, for those on the fortunate side of history, such extravagant pieces were a natural extension of their lifestyle. Of course, I’m speaking purely from an art and fashion perspective—I’m not endorsing the wealth division nor the political or economical climate of that time. What fascinates me is the art of Fabergé’s work, how these intricate creations have withstood the test of time, and how his name is still synonymous with luxury over a century later. His story is as inspiring as it is gloomy, a reflection of an era where art and extravagance intertwined with deep societal divides.
If you haven’t watched The Last Czars on Netflix yet, I highly recommend it for gaining a deeper understanding of the world where Fabergé flourished.
Peter Carl Fabergé rise to prestige
A fusion of heritages
Peter Carl Fabergé, born in Saint Petersburg in 1846, carried a rich blend of cultural backgrounds. Though Russian by birth, his paternal roots lay in France, where his family hailed from Picardy. After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, Fabergé’s ancestors were forced into exile, eventually settling in Germany before his grandfather, Peter, made Russia their home in 1800. On his maternal side, Carl’s heritage was Danish, adding another layer of international influence to his life.
Born into craftsmanship
Fabergé was born into a family already famed for their jeweling expertise at the Russian Court. Growing up in such a household, he received meticulous training in the family craft, ensuring that he was well-versed in the art of fine jewelry from a young age. He later apprenticed with Europe’s most prestigious jewelers, traveling through England, Germany, France, and Italy, gaining invaluable skills and experience that would shape his future work.
Recognition by the Imperial Court
At just 37, Fabergé’s talent was publicly acknowledged when he was awarded the gold medal at the Pan-Russian Exhibition in 1882, a prestigious honor that drew the attention of the Russian imperial court and catapulted him into the spotlight.
At the age of 54, at the Exposition Internationale Universelle (World Exhibition) in 1900 in Paris, the House was awarded a gold medal and the city’s jewellers recognised Peter Carl Fabergé as maître. Additionally, he was decorated with the most prestigious of French awards – he was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour.
The artist and businessman
Under Carl’s leadership, the House of Fabergé became synonymous with artistic innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The workshop produced a dazzling range of creations—from flowers and music boxes to intricate jewelry and clocks—all made with the finest metals and rarest stones. Fabergé transformed everyday objects into luxurious works of art, blending practicality with beauty. His managerial prowess also shone through as he expanded the brand’s reach, and in 1884, Tsar Alexander III awarded him the “Privilege of Supplier to the Court,” opening doors to the Russian aristocracy and solidifying the House of Fabergé’s reputation as one of the most renowned jewelers in the world.
Fabergé’s everyday elegance and wartime adaptation
At its peak, the House of Fabergé employed around 500 craftsmen, designers, and artisans. The workshop was a hub of creativity, with a highly specialized team responsible for producing not only the famous Fabergé eggs but a wide variety of items. From exquisite clocks and charming trinkets to elegant cigarette cases, delicate snuff boxes, picture frames, luxurious watches, and even ornate lamps, each piece bore the hallmark of impeccable design.
During World War I, the landscape of Russian society changed dramatically, and Fabergé adapted to these new realities. This reminds me of Burberry with its trench coats or Hugo Boss with its WWII uniforms. The House of Fabergé also changed to produce practical items that supported the war effort. The firm crafted military accessories such as bullet cartridges, grenades, and syringes, alongside more everyday items like cigarette lighters and field dishes. They also created award items adorned with Russian state symbols—bowls, cigarette cases, and ashtrays—that honored soldiers’ bravery.
Carl Fabergé was a smart man who understood the importance of his role during these tumultuous times. By proving the necessity of his firm’s contributions to the military, he managed to protect his craftsmen from being sent to the front lines, safeguarding them amidst the chaos of war. This ability to adapt and innovate ensured that the legacy of Fabergé would endure, even as the world around it was forever changed.
The Fabergé Egg: An original gift for an imperial Easter
It all started with Easter in 1885, when Russian Emperor Alexander III decided to surprise his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, with something truly one-of-a-kind. He wanted to mark the significance of the holiday while offering her a heartfelt gesture of comfort during a difficult time. He commissioned the House of Fabergé to craft a jewel in the shape of an egg. What was intended as a one-time gift turned into a beloved tradition, as the tsarina was so delighted with her gift. Alexander continued the custom each Easter for the rest of his life. His son, Nicholas II, later took up the tradition, presenting Fabergé eggs to both his wife and mother annually.
The first egg, famously known as the “Hen Egg,” has a white enameled outer shell that opens to reveal a golden yolk inside. Within the yolk is a tiny golden hen, and further unfolding reveals the final surprise: a miniature diamond replica of the imperial crown with a now-lost ruby pendant. It’s the world’s most extravagant precursor to today’s Kinder Surprise—except a far more luxurious, imperial version.
Guilloché Enamel Hen Surprise Locket
If you’re intrigued by Fabergé, you’ll find a stunning necklace in their online shop that pays homage to the iconic first egg. Priced at €14,280.00, it’s a luxurious investment, but don’t worry—shipping is free. This piece features round white diamonds and opalescent guilloché enamel, all elegantly set in 18-karat yellow gold.
Many other intricate eggs hatched after 1885
After creating the iconic Hen Egg, Fabergé went on to craft as many as 69 eggs between 1883 and 1917, with 61 of these masterpieces surviving to this day. Fifty of them were commissioned by the Russian Imperial family, now famously known as the “Imperial Eggs.” The remaining eggs were created for the aristocracy and the elite of the industrial and financial worlds. They were—and still are—emblems of ultimate luxury.
It’s nearly impossible to capture in words how extraordinary these creations are. Each egg is a miniature wonder, designed with intricate, playful details. Some move, some open or unfold, and one even contains a tiny automaton of an elephant. They aren’t just ornamental—they’re interactive art. Photos alone can’t do justice to their craftsmanship, so I’ve found some videos that will show you the magic better than words ever could.
Where to find Fabergé’s legendary eggs today
If you’re curious where Fabergé’s extraordinary eggs are housed today, here’s a quick tour of their homes around the world. The largest collection is in the Kremlin Armory, Moscow, where 10 of these treasures reside. Nine more can be found at the Fabergé Museum in St. Petersburg. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts holds five, while both the Royal Collection in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have three each. Further afield, two eggs are showcased in Lausanne, Switzerland, with two more at Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C., and another pair at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. The Cleveland Museum of Art is home to a single egg, as are the collections in Monte Carlo and the Fabergé Museum in Baden-Baden, Germany. There’s even one owned privately by Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar.
Seven of Fabergé’s Imperial eggs have vanished without a trace, their whereabouts still unknown. These lost treasures remain one of the greatest mysteries in the world of art and luxury. Where they ended up, and whether they still exist, is a question that continues to intrigue historians, collectors, and Fabergé enthusiasts alike. So, the next time you’re rummaging through your grandma’s attic, take a second look at anything that looks as insignificant as an egg —you never know what hidden treasure might be waiting to be discovered.
Conclusion
The journey of Fabergé is a fascinating blend of art, innovation, and resilience set against a backdrop of profound change. From the breathtaking creations that enchanted the Russian elite to the practical items crafted during the hardships of World War I, Fabergé had a unique talent for turning everyday objects into extraordinary masterpieces.
Fabergé’s influence is undeniably alive and well in today’s world. You can see its mark in everything from Disney and Game of Thrones to whimsical Easter chocolate boxes—there’s no shortage of Fabergé-inspired creations out there. A quick online search will reveal an abundance of replicas, each capturing a piece of that enchanting legacy. The allure of Fabergé continues to captivate people everywhere, promising to inspire generations to come.
