While the House of Fabergé is best known for creating the lavishly ornate and intricately devised Imperial Easter eggs given by the last czars to their families as annual holiday gifts, it was the most prestigious Russian luxury goods maker of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Serving the aristocracy and the well-to-do through stores in St. Petersburg, Moscow and as far afield as London, Fabergé crafted a wide range of brooches and other jewelry, clock cases, silver and myriad objets de vertu that included picture frames, cigarette cases, cufflinks and carved hardstone floral and animal figurines. Following the revolution, the firm was closed by the Soviet state in 1918.
Master goldsmith Gustav Fabergé, a descendant of Huguenot emigrées, founded the company in St. Petersburg in 1842. The firm did a brisk trade among the lesser nobility and the merchant class, but it flourished under the guidance of Gustav’s eldest son Peter Carl Fabergé — known also as Karl Gustavovich Fabergé — who took over in 1872.
Cosmopolitan, widely-traveled and himself a master goldsmith — he was sent on a Grand Tour in the 1860s — the younger Fabergé drew early design inspiration when he volunteered to catalogue and restore pieces in the imperial jewelry collection in the Hermitage.
Fabergé pieces based on historical jewelry from the Hermitage caught the attention of Czar Alexander III at a Moscow exhibition in 1882, and three years later he commissioned the first Imperial Easter egg as a gift for the czarina. Czar Nicholas II continued the tradition, presenting two eggs each Easter — one for his wife and one for his mother.
Relatively simple in design compared to the complex cloisonné-adorned eggs that followed, the first Fabergé egg was a white-enameled ovoid containing a gold “yolk” that held a gold hen, which in turn contained a replica of the imperial crown from which hung an egg-shaped ruby pendant.
As the appointed goldsmith to the royal court, the House of Fabergé became the darling of Russian aristocrats as well as wealthy patrons across Europe. Many and varied objets — hundreds of thousands by one count — were made to meet their demand. The firm employed some 500 craftsmen and designers when it was shuttered.
After the Russian Revolution, the Fabergé name and trademark endured a checkered passage through the 20th century.
Family members left their homeland in 1918 and set up a new business in Paris that was mainly concerned with repairing and restoring earlier-made wares. The name was adopted by an American fragrance and beauty products maker in the late 1930s, and later authorized by the family in a 1951 agreement. The trademark has been subsequently sold several times, and attached to numerous products including jewelry.
Fabergé pieces are richly redolent of a romantic past, and a source of thorough delight — for connoisseurs, true Fabergé refers to items made in the firm’s brief, golden decades from 1885 to 1917.
Collectors are advised to make a study of Fabergé works in museum collections such as the Victoria & Albert and the Royal Collection in London to gain an understanding of the quality of genuine goods made by the original firm, and then to purchase only from reputable and reliable dealers, such those at 1stDibs.
Find Fabergé eggs for sale and other objects and vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.
FABERGE Grey Purple Abstract Floral Silk Tie
By Fabergé
Located in San Francisco, CA
FABERGE necktie in a grey and purple silk featuring an abstract floral patterned print. Handmade in USA. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: Width: 3.75 inches Length: 62 ...
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Located in Boca Raton, FL
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Chanel 1995 95P Barbie Single Strand Gripoix Crystal, Faux Pearl & CC Logo Runwa
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
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Men's Formal Black Silk Pre-Tied Bow Tie - O/S 1990s
Located in Tucson, AZ
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By Zuni
Located in Wallkill, NY
Fabulous mosaic inlaid eagle bolo by the renowned Porfilio and Ann Sheyka. Measuring 2.85" H x 1.90" W. This piece is one for which the couple is famous a...
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By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
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Emilio Pucci Classic Silk Necktie
By Emilio Pucci
Located in New York, NY
Emilio Pucci signature graphics, printed silk twill men's necktie in classic colors of turquoise, fuschia,and black. 3" wide. 1970's Italy. Excellent Condition
Men's Navy Silk Fish Hook Nautical Motif Necktie – Chicago, 1970s
By Ernest J Carston
Located in Tucson, AZ
For those of you who must work but would rather be sailing, here’s an elegant necktie that will keep your eyes on the prize while you get through your day. Navy silk necktie with repeating ivory...
Christian Dior Gilded Gold Vermeil Collar Tips
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior elegant gilded gold vermeil finish hardware pair of collar tips are detailed with their signature name logo etched. These pair of col...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1993 Miami Collection Tie
Located in Genova, IT
Versace tie from the 1993 Miami Collection ABOUT A highly sought-after vintage silk tie by Gianni Versace that pays tribute to the city of Miami. It features palm trees and letters...
Hand Carved Mother of Pearl Equine Cufflinks & Tie Bar Set c 1950s
Located in University City, MO
Hand carved mother of pearl equine cufflinks & tie bar set c 1950s The unique set is designed with a trio of horse figures designed from mother of pearl shell Designed with gilt me...
Versace Italian Violet & Gold Graphic Print Silk Necktie c 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace Italian violet and gold graphic print silk necktie c 1990s The stylish designer necktie is illustrated with violet color block graphics juxtapose...
Christian Dior 1990s Poison Petite Silk Scarf
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Christian Dior 1990s Poison Petite Silk Scarf is a stunning accessory that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted from luxurious silk, this petite necktie or pocket square is designed to elevate your look with its unique print and timeless style. The scarf features a striking black, green, and pink abstract print that adds a pop of color and visual interest to any ensemble. The abstract design is both modern and artistic, making it a versatile accessory that can complement a variety of outfits. At the center of the scarf, the word "Poison" is prominently displayed, adding a touch of intrigue and mystery to the design. This bold statement adds an edgy and playful element to the scarf, making it a conversation-starter and a standout accessory. Additionally, the Christian Dior logo is discreetly incorporated into the design, showcasing the brand's iconic emblem and adding a touch of luxury to the scarf. This petite silk scarf can be styled in countless ways, making it a versatile accessory for both formal and casual occasions. Whether worn as a necktie, pocket square, headband, or bracelet, the Christian Dior Poison...
Maison Martin Margiela Powder Puff Brooch 2000
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
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Vintage Christian La Croix brooch
Located in Carnate, IT
Vintage Christian La Croix brooch in golden metal depicting the head of a bull. Iconic for the brand. It shows some signs of use. With original dust. 4 cm wide 5 cm high 2 cm deep