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 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Red Enamel Heart Earrings with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These classic yet playful earrings are crafted using the traditional Faberge guicholle enameling technique. Crafted with seven layers of red enamel and 24 kt gold flowers. These earr...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Modern Fabergé Charmeuse Créoles Frédéric Zaavy Diamants Antiques Earrings
By Fabergé
Located in Genève, GE
Charmeuse Créoles Diamants Antiques Earrings 46EA69/1 Fabergé Treasures, a charismatic and diverse collection of jewellery and objects, frequently one-o...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern Faberge Diamond Prussian Blue Enamel Earrings
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These modern Faberge 18 karat white gold cushion shaped earrings center a bezel set round brilliant diamond. A raised square of Prussian Blue enamel surround the center diamond. Round brilliant white diamonds border the entire earring. The earrings were created by Victor Mayor. Crafted in the tradition of the original Imperial eggs using Faberges iconic...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern Faberge Gold Diamond Cabochon Sapphire and Enamel Earrings
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These modern 18 karat white gold earrings are set with an oval blue cabachon sapphire surrounded by round brilliant diamonds. Royal blue guilloche enamel enhance the curve of these hoop/ huggy shaped earrings. The earrings were created by Victor Mayor. Crafted in the tradition of the original Imperial eggs using Faberges iconic...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,402Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 0.63 in W 0.24 in
Blue Sapphire Earrings in 14k Gold, Genuine Sapphire Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue sapphire earrings in 14k gold. Blue and white sapphires 14k gold earrings. Oval cut sapphire earrings. Sapphire gold earrings. Metal: 14k solid gold. Weight: 3.25 gr Size: 16x...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Simple antique elegance, made of 18K yellow gold. Floral inspired with hand painted black enamel accents and natural freshwater pearl centers, this ha...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,728Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 0.89 in
Cabochon Rose Quartz Diamond Enamel Earrings, 42.67ct in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our "Cabochon Rose Quartz Diamond Enamel Earrings in 18 Karat Rose Gold," a sublime fusion of natural splendor and refined artistry. Central to each earring is a sumptuou...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Hammerman Brothers 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A blend of luxury and sophistication with these Hammerman Brother earrings, crafted meticulously in 18k yellow gold and adorned with sparkling diamonds. These earrings feature 64 ro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tulip Flower 18K Yellow White and Rose Gold Modern Hoop Design Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Scarlet Collection, beautiful pair of hoops modern earrings handcrafted in 18 karats yellow, white and rose gold. These joyful earrings are composed of a Yellow Gold flower branch that turns on itself and ends with a tulip flower. The hook of these modern and classy earrings is a lever back placed behind the branch of the flower. Two jointed hoops symbol of Joy made in 18 Karats Yellow and White Gold complete the space. These handmade earrings are a tribute to the blossoming of spring. All flowers have a meaning: the meaning of the tulip is precisely that of true love. In the Ottoman Empire, it was synonymous with wealth and power as the sultans threw lavish parties in their royal courts to celebrate the first flowering of the tulips. Tulip flower earrings by Rossella Ugolini. Each piece in this beautiful 18K gold set is made up of three colors of gold: yellow, white and rose. Each element is jointed to give a sinuous and joyful movement. These earrings are hand made mirrored and the flowers have right and left sides to give symmetry when worn. They are unique in their design and handmade by master jewelers in Rome Italy. Tulip Flowers Earrings to complete your favorite outfits and make the best figure that captures the attention, showing that nothing has been left to chance. Details: Rossella Ugolini Flowers Collection 18 Karats Yellow, White and Rose Gold Circle Hoop...
Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold with Platinum Lever Back Pearl Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold with Platinum Lever Back Pearl Earrings 3.66 grams total weight.
Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Peretti Yellow Gold Heart Post Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti heavy solid 18k yellow gold clip post open heart earrings. No longer in production. 18k Yellow Gold Stamped: 750 Tiffany & Co Peretti. 16.9 grams. 13/16 x...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Tiffany Elsa Peretti Yellow Gold Open Heart Clip Post Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Tiffany & Co Peretti open heart 18k clip post earrings. 18k Yellow Gold 17.5 grams Earrings stamped: Tiffany & Co 18k Peretti Width: .85 inch or 2...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Three-Row Sapphire Diamond Gold Lever Back Hoop Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
3 row Sapphire and Diamond hoop earrings in 18k yellow gold. These spectacular clip post earrings are set with three rows of alternating round sapphires and diamonds. 28 sapphires an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,425 / set
W 0.34 in L 0.75 in
Fabergé Guilloche Enamel and Diamond Half Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Fabergé
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely stunning earrings designed by Fabergé. These exquisite half hoop huggie earrings are made of luxurious 18 karat yellow gold. The front is adorned with a polished red and b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamant drop earrings with a blue pearl in 14k gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Indulge in the allure of these exquisite and seductive earrings, each a masterpiece that tells a tale of intricate craftsmanship and refined beauty. The foundation of each earring is...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large GUM DROP Earrings with Blue Topaz and Cabochon Pink Topaz and Diamonds
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Large GUM DROP™ Earrings with faceted Blue Topaz and cabochon Pink Topaz and diamonds. The Top oval Blue Topaz is approximately 5 cts each and the Bottom cabochon Pi...
Diamond, Topaz, White Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faberge 18 Karat Gold, White and Turquoise Enamel Earrings with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These classic huggy earrings are crafted using the traditional Faberge guicholle enameling technique. Crafted with seven layers of white and turquoise ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond and Enamel Oval Earrings with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
Playful and classic best describes these Faberge oval enamel earrings. Circles of guicholle enamel in soft peach and pale yellow with diamond centers. The 10 diamonds total .15cts. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel