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.
Fabergé Antique Bi-Color Gold Cigarette Case, Circa 1896-1908, Russia
By Fabergé
Located in Capri, IT
1896 - 1908 Circa Yellow and Rose Gold Faberge Cigarette Case. Workmaster August Hollming, ST Petersburg with scratched inventory number 5695. ...
Fabergé Pill Box 18K Yellow Gold Green GuillocheEnamel 12 Diamonds & 16 Rubies
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Limited Edition Pill Box 18K Yellow Gold, Vitreous Green Enamel, Diamonds 0.30 ct G VS, Rubies 0.48ct Reference: F1104/AP/02/31/102_F1085/00/00/06/102 Brand: Fabergé Workmaster: Victor Mayer Material: 750/- yellow gold (18k) Dimensions: 52*40*32 mm Vitreous enamel: translucent green Diamonds: 12 brilliant cut diamonds total 0.30 ct, G VS Gemstone: 16 round facetted rubies total 0.48 ct Limited edition: Box: 31/100 Stand: 06/400 This piece is an original modern Fabergé creation, crafted in 18k gold by the master artisans of Victor Mayer in Pforzheim, Germany. Victor Mayer, who held the exclusive Fabergé license from 1989 to 2009 and continues to produce objects and jewelry for Fabergé to this day, is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and faithful adherence to the illustrious Fabergé tradition. The exterior features a vivid green guilloché enamel. Guilloché is a technique where intricate, repeating patterns are engine-turned into the underlying metal; when covered with translucent enamel and fired, these engraved patterns shimmer beneath the glass-like surface. The result is a dynamic play of light and depth, with the green enamel glowing as it highlights the geometric motif beneath. Over this enamel surface, a raised latticework of gold “struts” is set at regular intervals, creating a trellis-like pattern. At each intersection, a gemstone is placed—alternating rubies and diamonds. The rubies, with their rich red hue, and the diamonds, with their brilliant sparkle, form a lively contrast against the green enamel and warm gold tones. Each stone is carefully set into the gold to ensure secure positioning and uniform alignment. Delicate rope-like gold borders and ornamental edging around the box add further intricacy and textural interest, emphasizing the level of detail that goes into such a piece. Supported by small, individually crafted gold feet, the box stands slightly elevated, suggesting a sense of grandeur and presence. Inspired by the lavish snuff boxes and treasure boxes of the 18th and 19th centuries, such a piece might have once held finely ground tobacco for aristocrats. Today, it could serve as a pill box or simply be cherished as a precious keepsake—an objet d’art that blends historical elegance with artisanal mastery. Though small and portable, this is far more than a container. It is a miniature work of art that embodies time-honored techniques, luxurious materials, and a heritage steeped in the tradition of Old World craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to the exquisite skill of those who created it, worthy of admiration in a collection or showcased as a decorative masterpiece. The stunning contemporary 18-carat gold Faberge Pill Box...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Fabergé 56 - 14ct Gold Samorodok Cigarette Case, St Petersburg, c1908-1917, V.B.
By Fabergé
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of rectangular shape with rounded corners this hinged Cigarette Case by Fabergé (Фаберже) is crafted in 14ct gold - 56 standard - with exceptional attention to details It comes in its original Fabergé fitted wooden case, lined with luxurious silk & velvet Fabergé cigarette...
Chalcedony, Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Fabergé Phases of the Moon Clock Egg, 18k Gold, Enamel, Diamonds, Rock Crystal
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Phases of the Moon Clock Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Opalescent Blue Guilloché Enamel, 496 Diamonds, Rock Crystal, Rose Quartz, Black Onyx This Fabergé e...
Diamond, Crystal, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
Fabergé Siam-Egg Objet, 18k Gold, Yellow Enamel, Diamonds, Agate, Malachite
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Siam Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Yellow Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Diamonds 0.735 ct, Agate, Garnet, Malachite The Siam Egg, created in 1998, recalls Fabergé’s histori...
Agate, Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Meissen Egg, Gold, Enamel, Diamonds, Gemstones, Porcelain, Music Box
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
This Fabergé egg commemorates Carl-Peter Fabergé’s sojourn in Dresden in 1860/61 and the artistic influences he absorbed at the Green Vault. The foot is crafted of hand-painted porcelain by the State Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, designed expressly for this piece. The upper half of the egg in gold and enamel contains a miniature garden with a diamond-set well house and trees of nephrite and pearls. A dedicated Swiss music box movement by Reuge plays a minuet by Luigi Boccherini, while the well house and trees move in contrapuntal motion. The transformation of the music box movement into the motion of the well is achieved by a special mechanism with an additional spring, developed by the Swiss master watchmaker Paul Gerber...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Fabergé Egg Object 18 K Yellow Gold Blue Guilloche Enamel Paillons Ruby Cabochon
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Egg Object of Art, 18k Yellow Gold, Blue Guilloché Enamel with Paillons, Ruby Cabochon 0.75 ct This Fabergé egg, created around 1995 by the workmaster Victor Mayer, is a mas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Lion Egg, 18k gold, Purple Enamel, 16 Diamonds 0.198ct, Jasper, Nr. 1/75
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Lion-Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Purple Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Diamonds 0.198 ct G VS, Kalahari Jasper The Lion Egg, created in 2007, pays homage to the King of Be...
Diamond, Jasper, 18k Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Guilloche Enamel, Diamonds, Bowenite
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Pink Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, 79 Diamonds 1.06 ct G VS, Bowenite, Rose Quartz, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Topaz The Spring Egg, created in 1996, is the first in the Fabergé “Four Seasons” series inspired by Antonio Vivaldi’s celebrated violin concertos. It represents the awakening of spring through a delicate fusion of colour, movement, and music. The egg’s exterior is crafted from 18k yellow gold, covered with translucent pink enamel on a guilloché ground. Its surface is richly decorated with applied golden garlands, bows, and floral motifs, accented by 79 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 1.06 ct (G VS). The vibrant pink hue, enhanced by guilloché engraving, symbolises freshness and renewal. When opened, the egg reveals its surprise: a golden vase containing a vivid bouquet of flowers carved from semiprecious stones — citrine, rock crystal, amethyst, and topaz. Each blossom is highlighted by a sparkling diamond “dewdrop”, while the leaves are crafted in green-enamelled gold. The bouquet slowly revolves to the melody of Vivaldi’s “Spring” from The Four Seasons, played by a dedicated Swiss music movement by Reuge. The mechanism was further modified and refined by Swiss master watchmaker Paul Gerber...
Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Fabergé Serpent-Egg Objet, 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Enamel, 36 Diamonds, 2 Emeralds
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Serpent-Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Pink Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Diamonds 0.36 ct, Emeralds This Fabergé egg, created in 1991, is a tribute to Fabergé’s hist...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, White Gold
Fabergé Polar-Bear Egg, 18k White Gold, Turquoise Enamel, Diamonds, Rock Crystal
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Polar Bear-Egg Object, 18k White Gold, Turquoise Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Diamonds 0.17 ct G VS, White Topaz, Sardonyx, Rock Crystal The Polar Bear Egg, created in 2003, captures the brilliance and clarity of the Arctic winter. The egg is made of 18k white gold and covered with multiple layers of turquoise translucent vitreous enamel on a guilloché ground, producing a luminous icy shimmer. It is crowned with a prominent conical white topaz and decorated with numerous stylised ice-crystal motifs in white gold. The opener, also shaped as an ice crystal, is set with brilliant-cut diamonds. When opened, the egg reveals a miniature scene of a mother polar bear with two cubs, modelled in 18k white gold, resting on an ice floe carved from sardonyx with its natural frosted surface resembling snow. The pedestal is made of frosted rock crystal cut with angular facets to evoke a glacier. It rests on a circular base of polished rock crystal, mounted with white-gold feet that provide stability and refinement. Background: Fabergé’s animal...
Topaz, 18k Gold, Enamel, White Gold
Fabergé Rose-Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Red Enamel, 51 Diamonds, Garnet, Tourmalines
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Rose-Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, Aubergine Red Guilloche Vitreous Enamel, 51 Diamonds 4.36 ct G VS, Garnet, Pink Tourmalines The Rose-Egg Object, created in 2002, is one of...
Diamond, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Autumn-Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Aubergine-Red Enamel, Diamonds 3.34ct G VS
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Autumn Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Aubergine-Red Enamel, Diamonds 3.34 ct G VS, Obsidian, Agate, Ruby, Amethyst, Coral, Onyx This Fabergé egg, created in 1998 as part of the “Four...
Agate, Amber, Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Lizard-Egg, 18k Gold, Blue Guilloché Enamel, Diamonds, Emeralds, Lapis
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Lizard-Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, Opalescent Light Blue Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Emeralds, Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli The Lizard Egg, created in 2002, is a celebration of th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Imperial Period Faberge Bowenite and Silver-Gilt Inkwell
By Fabergé
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An Imperial Period, silver-gilt, bowenite inkwell by Faberge featuring chased laurel leaves, acanthus swags, and a hinged cover with a ribbon-tied acanthus wreath finial. The inkwell...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Fabergé Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, Red Enamel with Fleur-de-Lys-Paillon
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Egg Object of Art, 18k Yellow Gold, Red Guilloché Enamel with Fleur-de-Lys Paillons This Fabergé egg, created around 1995 by the workmaster Victor Mayer, is a refined exampl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
Fabergé Honey Bear-Egg, 18k Gold, Gold Enamel, Diamonds, Smoky Quartz, Citrines
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Honey Bear Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Clear Flux Enamel, Smoky Quartz, Citrines, Diamonds The Honey Bear Egg, created in 2002, is one of the most playful designs of the modern Fa...
Diamond, Emerald, Citrine, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, En...
Edwardian Faberge Chalcedony Enamel Gold Bell Push
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge chalcedony, gold and enamel bell push, enamelled translucent blush and pearl grey with sunburst guilloche background, with circular cabo...
Chalcedony, Yellow Gold
Faberge Lilac Enamel Gold Vanity Case
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé two-colour gold and lilac enamel vanity case by Workmaster A.Holmstrom, the rectangular case measuring approximately 11cms in width, the central...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Faberge Circular Green Enamel Silver-Gilt Gold Pill Box
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An early twentieth century Faberge circular green enamel silver-gilt and gold pill box, the translucent grass green enamel upon an engine-turned guilloche ground with radiating patte...
Yellow Gold
Fabergé Pill Box, 18k Yellow Gold, Blue Guilloche Enamel, 51 Diamonds, Sapphire
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Pill Box, 18K Yellow Gold, Vitreous Blue Enamel, Diamonds 1.20 ct, Sapphire Cabochon 0.37 ct This exquisite Fabergé pill box, crafted in the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Faberge Gold and Gem Set Paperknife by Eric Kollin
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé yellow gold and gem-set paperknife with book-blade, with a "samaradok" molten texture handle set with a ruby, sapphire and diamond, workmaster Eric Kollin, St Petersburg, m...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Faberge Lilac Enamel and Yellow Gold Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge gold and enamel frame, the frame comprising an oval glass photograph pane with yellow gold surround, within a rectangular frame exquisitely laid with a fine lilac enamel...
Yellow Gold
Fabergé White Enamel Egg Shaped Miniature Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé white enamel egg shaped miniature frame, the translucent enamel on an engine turned radiating guilloché ground, with a picture aperture surr...
Enamel
Faberge Rock Crystal Gold Inkwell
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé gold and rock crystal inkwell, the lobed rock-crystal body carved with bombe' sides, the hinged gold cover also lobed and surmounted with a cabochon sapphire, marked Faberg...
Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Faberge Blue Enamel Gold Vanity Case
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé two-colour gold and blue enamel vanity case by Workmaster A.Holmstrom, the rectangular case of three sections, the main powder compartment comprising two decorative section...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabergé Guilloche Enamelled Box by Fabergé, ca 1890
By Fabergé
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A fine white guilloche enamel box by August Hollming for Fabergé, of very unusual convex shape, the outside entirely worked in white enamel guil...
Diamond, Enamel, Gold Plate, Silver
Faberge Gold, Enamel and Hardstone Desk Seal
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé gold, enamel and hardstone desk seal, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St Petersburg, 1904-1908 the spherical handle carved of aventurine quartz, the co...
Carnelian, Quartz, Gold, Enamel
Imperial Faberge Enamel Silver-Gilt Thermometer
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An Imperial Fabergé silver-gilt and enamel thermometer, of rectangular form with semi-circular ends, the surface enamelled in translucent royal blue over banded wavy engine-turning w...
Silver
Faberge Jade Gold Important Nephrite Cache Pot by Michael Perchin, circa 1890
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A late nineteenth century Fabergé nephrite cache pot carved from a single piece of nephrite, the two colour gold rim top and base decorated with acanthu...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabergé Urn-Shaped gum pot
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé silver mounted sang-de-beouf gum pot in the shape of an urn, with two silver handles and rim decorated with Greek key pattern, convex silver lid with...
Sterling Silver
Bownite and Enamel Fabergé Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A jewelled gold-mounted bowenite and enamel frame, Fabergé, Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, before 1899, the circular bowenite frame centred by translucent mauve bezel with applied ...
Diamond, Other, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
A Fabergé goldstone-glass and enamel scent bottle
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé goldstone-glass, gold, and white enamel scent bottle, the vessel made of goldstone-like glass, with a slightly tapering rose-gold ridged base and rose gold hinged flared ca...
Enamel
Hollming Fabergé White Enamel Diamond Silver Pill Box
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé white enamel and diamond circular pill box, the translucent white enamel with undulating guilloché ground and circular rock crystal section to top and base, each with a ros...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Silver, Enamel
Fabergé Yellow and Rose Gold Miniature Picture Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé yellow and rose gold miniature picture frame with pearl decoration and ribbon bow top, workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, circa 1895. This elegant miniature frame ...
Rose Gold
Fabergé Pearl White Enamel Gold Lorgnette
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Fabergé enamel and gold lorgnette, the lorgnette comprising two circular lens within a rose gold mount, with exquisite pearl white enamel handle with engine-turned background, with yellow and rose gold floral decoration and ring termination, bearing Fabergé marks...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabergé Glass Bottle with Silver Lid
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé glass bottle with silver lid, comprising a barrel shaped cut-glass bottle, glass 'stopper' with rectangular finial, outer silver lid with dom...
Silver