Faberge eggs

The history of Faberge eggs has began more than one hundred years ago, in that days monarchy Russia Empire.

In 1884 the czar Alexander III wanted to present a special present for his wife Maria on Easter (the most important Christian holiday). As there was a tradition in Russia (which is still alive) to give each other decorated eggs and to exchange with a kisses, Alexander III made an order to a jeweler, Peter Carl Faberge. Of course there had to be a special gift, but Faberge was innovative enough to keep it in the vibe of Easter holidays. He presented to the czar an enameled egg, inside which one there was a golden yolk; within the yolk was a golden hen; and concealed within the hen was a diamond miniature of the royal crown and a tiny ruby egg. The delight of the Emperor and his wife Maria was so great that since that time Carl Faberge was asked to design Easter eggs for the Empress for another eleven years.

When Alexander III died, the czar Nicholas II continued the tradition. It was agreed that the Easter gift would always have an egg shape and would hold a surprise. These projects became top priority of the company and were planned and worked on far in advance. The surprise put inside was always kept secret.

At the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris the Imperial eggs were shown in public for the first time. They astound the jury and Faberge's fame spreads throughout Europe. The designs for the Imperial eggs were inspired by historical art works that Faberge imitated or copied mostly from great Russian museum Hermitage. However, there is a poignant representation of what is now Russian history in the design of a number of these eggs. There were eggs to commemorate the coronation of Czar Nicholas II, the completing of the Trans Siberian Railway and anniversaries. There were eggs depicting the Imperial yacht, the Uspensky Cathedral, the Gatchina’s Palace, and during the time of I World War the Red Cross and the military. Materials used by Faberge listed metals such as silver, gold, copper, nickel, palladium, which were combined in varying proportions to produce different colours.

In general fifty six Imperial eggs were made. Forty-four of them have been located today and another two that are known to have been photographed. Another twelve Easter eggs were commissioned by Alexander Kelch, a Siberean gold mine owner. However, the Imperial Easter egg collection commissioned by the last of the Russian Czars is the most celebrated.