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.
Pair of Frosted Crystal Snow Dove Candlesticks by Igor Carl for Faberge
By Fabergé
Located in San Diego, CA
A stunning pair of frosted crystal snow dove candlesticks by Igor Carl for The House of Faberge, circa 1980s. The candlesticks are in very good condition with no chips or cracks and ...
Crystal
Antique 20thC Russian Fabergé Gilt Solid Silver, Enamel & Diamond Necessaire
By Fabergé
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Imperial Russian Fabergé gilt solid silver & gold necessaire case. Decorated with vibrant mauve enamel over an engine-turned...
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Enamel
$973Sale Price|25% Off
FABERGE 1915 Moscow Odessa St Petersburg Empty Box For a Letter Opener Object
By Fabergé
Located in Miami, FL
An empty box for a letter opener, created by Faberge. This is an empty antique presentation box, created in Russia by the Luxury house of Faberge, circa 1915. The box is in pretty g...
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Paper Knife by Fabergè, Early 20th Century
By Fabergé
Located in Roma, IT
Paper knife with silver swan-shaped handle and precious stones by Fabergè. Original velvet box. Realized in the early 20th century. Length 29 cm. Branding inside and out of...
Onyx, Silver
Pair of Rare Important Statues Signed Faberge 1912 Russian Kamer Kazak Bodyguard
By Fabergé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, very rare and highly collectible pair of Faberge signed cast and cold painted bronze statues of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov, personal Kamer-Kazak bodyguards of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna A little history, the original sold at auction in 2013 for $5,200,000, I’ll include further information below which came from Sotheby’s These expertly made statues are as mentioned of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov in dress parade uniforms with badges and medals, the coats trimmed with Imperial eagles, the cockaded fleece hats with gold braid, inscribed in Russian on the heels and soles of the boots 'Kamer-Kazak since 1894/A.A. Kudinov/Fabergé/1912' History The precise origin of these figures, which appear to be copies of – or models for – the well-known Fabergé hardstone...
Bronze
Fabergé Silver-Mounted Glass Covered Box
By Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful and rare, this superb silver-mounted cut glass box was crafted by the legendary Russian firm Fabergé. The rounded cut glass box features a diamond pattern, while the hinged...
Silver
French Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opalescent and Dore Bronze Finial Covered Box
Located in New York, NY
A French dore bronze mounted blue opalescent and dore bronze finial covered box. This round form box is very unusual with a blue opalescent color and dore bronze mount. The top is fi...
Crystal, Bronze
Sothebys Catalogue Fabergé, Russian Works of Art
By Sotheby's
Located in Mexico City, MX
Auction catalog with outstanding works of Fabergé, Russian Works of Art, Objects of Vertu and Silver. Ideal for collectors, galleries and art lovers. Illustrated editions, reference ...
Paper
Sothebys Catalogue Fabergé, Russian Works of Art
By Sotheby's
Located in Mexico City, MX
Auction catalog with outstanding works of Fabrgè, Russian Works of Art, Objects of Vertu and Silver. Ideal for collectors, galleries and art lovers. Illustrated editions, reference p...
Paper
Early 1900s French Embossed Leather Letter Box
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Dating to the early 1900s, this French letter box has tan leather with black faux marbling. The angled lid lifts to reveal three slots, each lined wit...
Metal
Fabergé Glass Box
By Peter Carl Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully rare, this superb silver-mounted cut glass toilette box was crafted by legendary Russian jeweler and artisan Peter Carl Fabergé. The rou...
Silver
Art Deco Sterling Silver-Mounted Shagreen Table Box
By Charles Boyton & Sons, Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted shagreen table box, London, 1923, Charles Boynton & Sons, Ltd, makers. Measures: 6 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 2 1/4" high. Wood lined. Shagreen is be...
Sterling Silver
Silver-Mounted Agate Box, Probably English, circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver-mounted agate box, probably English, circa 1870 rectangular, comprising two plaques of moss agate set as the base and lid of a hinged box with silver mounts, apparently unm...
Silver
$5,654
H 20.6 in W 8.2 in D 4.1 in
Stunning & Powerful Altar Crucifix with Detailed Bronze Sculpture of Christ 1912
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique table crucifix and a wonderful work of religious art, dated 1912 and numbered. For us the most powerful statement will always be 'the truth will set you free'. It is what we have learned most from the life of Christ and of His teachings and it is the one thing we always think about whenever we look at a crucifix. Anyone who has tried to break down his/her ego and found a clearer consciousness in the process knows how healing and rewarding that journey can be. After that you can only be grateful for all the good things that are bound to come your way. Good things will come your way, because the universe needs people like you. Whomever created this amazing work of religious art too must have been inspired and motivated by the life of Christ, because how ever could anyone create a piece that is of such quality, so beautiful and so powerful at the same time. Both the beautifully designed bronze cross with the King of the Jews inscription and the amazingly detailed bronze corpus of Christ are of a quality that you will only rarely find on the open market. They are perfectly mounted on a stunning marble base and together they create one of the most impressive table or altar crucifixes...
Marble, Bronze
18th Century Russian Carved Oak Figure of a Saint
Located in Stamford, CT
A very interesting Baroque period carved oak figure of a saint or prophet said to come from a demolished Russian Orthodox church. This compelling figure is ...
Oak
Emerald & Ruby Mounted Silvered Filigree Box
Located in Austin, TX
Immaculately crafted from the 20th century, this Silvered Filigree Box exhibits the skill of fine craftsmanship and gemstone mastery. This breath...
Metal
$2,995
H 2.5 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Antique Imperial Russian Silver Cloisonne Enamel Coin Purse Case Moscow 1899
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Pre-Revolution Russian Imperial silver-gilt & cloisonné enamel coin purse/case, Moscow, 1899. The purse with the maker's mark in Cyrillic and the assayer's mark for Iv...
Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in New York, NY
Bezalel brass plaque depicting a Jewish elder next to the Western Wall, made in Jerusalem, circa 1920, bearing a small metal label engraved "Bezalel Jeru...
Brass
Fabergè Paper Knife/ Letter Opener with Jade Blade
By Fabergé
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely letter opener by Fabergè has all the hallmarks of their signature style. An ornate handle topped with a swan is attached to an absolutely stunning blade of carved and pol...
Jade, Silver
Fabergé Enamel Frame
By Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
Guilloché Enamel Frame Fabergé Circa 1900 This large guilloché enamel frame by the revered Fabergé firm is a work of art. Created circa 1900 during Fabergé's golden age, this remark...
Enamel
Sold
H 0.67 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in
Antique 20th Century Russian Faberge Silver Gilt & Gem Set Cigarette Case c.1900
By Fabergé
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century Russian Faberge silver gilt cigarette case, The lid features a design of interlocking laurel wreaths and ribbons suspending tassels. The push piece is set ...
Gold
Sold
H 7.29 in W 4.41 in D 0.48 in
Fabergé Imperial Collection Louis XVI Style 925 Sterling Silver Picture Frame
By Fabergé
Located in Braintree, GB
In the intricate tapestry of history, certain objects emerge as shimmering gems, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of bygone eras. Among these treasures, the Fabergé Imperial Coll...
Silver
Golden Dragon Black Crystal Faberge Egg Objet d'Art
By Fabergé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome art object. Jet black crystal with raised 24 karat gold gilding and dots. Engraved on the bottom "No 272 T Faberge" from an edition of 750. Small blemish at the base, missin...
Crystal, Gold
Pair of Fabergè Crystal Empire Candle Holders with 1920s Box
By Fabergé
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Fabergè crystal candlesticks including box, made in the 1920s. The box is not closing perfectly since the hinges are damaged. Ø cm 8 h cm 25,5...
Crystal
Fabergé Gold Cigarette Case
By Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite gold cigarette case by Fabergé is a perfect example of the workmanship of one of the firm's most important artisans, Henrik Wigströ...
Gold, Enamel
Pair of Fabergè Imperial Crystal Candlesticks Michael Palace 1940s
By Fabergé
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of imperial Michael Palace candlesticks in transparent Fabergè crystal, made in the 1940s. The conditions are excellent, the box shows some signs of aging and the closure is not perfect. Ø cm 9 h cm 25,5 Fabergé refers to the renowned House of Fabergé, a company of Russian jewelers and craftsmen known for creating intricate and luxurious Fabergé eggs. The company was founded in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1842 by Gustav Fabergé, and subsequently continued by his son, Peter Carl Fabergé. Fabergé eggs are perhaps the Maison's most iconic and celebrated creations. These were decorated and jeweled...
Crystal
Faberge Imperial Eagle Jeweled Musical Egg Sterling Silver & 14k Pin - Rare
By Fabergé
Located in Atlanta, GA
We are extremely pleased to introduce for sale our very rare & amazingly beautiful Faberge Imperial Musical Egg collection, manufactured by the Franklin Mint...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 7 in W 2 in D 3.5 in
Imperial Faberge Carved Labradorite Ostrich on Nephrite Base, 20th Century
By Fabergé
Located in Long Island City, NY
An imperial Faberge carved Labradorite ostrich on nephrite base, 20th century In original box. Limited Edition: 18/250 Measures: 7″ high x 3.5″ deep x...
Multi-gemstone
Fabergé Silver and Cut Glass Inkwell
By Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite inkwell by the legendary Fabergé exudes a bygone luxury. Comprised of intricately cut glass in a star pattern, the inkwell rests upon a silver base cast with dramatic masks among foliate festoons and ribbons. Its refined, neoclassical design is completed by a silver lid with a finial in the form of a laurel wreath. Fine silver from the House of Fabergé is indeed difficult to acquire, since most of the firm’s works, including the court and presentation pieces created for the Czar, were melted down to mint silver ingots...
Silver
Sold
H 3.27 in W 2.76 in L 3.27 in
Antique Fabergé Parcel-Gilt Silver Cigarette Case with Coat of Arms
By Fabergé
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Fabergé parcel-gilt silver cigarette case with coat of arms by workmaster August Hollming. Manufacturer: Fabergé Maker: August Hollming. Made in Russia, St. Petersburg Ca...
Silver