One of the few remaining Faberge eggs – exquisitely crafted ornaments made of metals and precious stones – sold for 22.9 million pounds ($30.2 million), setting a new auction record for the Russian jeweler. The winter egg, which Tsar Nicholas II had made for his mother in 1913, went to an anonymous bidder after a short three-minute competition at Christie’s in London. The price slightly beat the auction house’s estimate of £20 million ($26 million).
How rare are Fabergé imperial eggs?
The huge sum reflects the extreme scarcity of Fabergé’s imperial creations. Only 50 eggs were produced and the winter egg is among only seven still in private hands. None have appeared at auction for more than two decades, the rest are either unknown or held by museums.
Why is this egg considered a masterpiece?
In an emailed statement, Christie’s head of Fabergé and Russian works of art Margo Oganesian told CNN that the new recording “reaffirmed the enduring importance” and “rarity and brilliance” of what many consider to be one of Fabergé’s finest objects. Before the sale, she described it as “the most spectacular, artistically inventive and unusual” of the series, adding that “the design is timeless — it’s so modern”.
What makes Winter Egg unique?
Made mostly of rock crystal, the egg is designed to evoke a frozen block dusted with frost. Its casing features a platinum snowflake pattern set with 4,500 pink-cut diamonds, while the interior houses a delicate basket of wooden anemones made from white quartz, jade and garnets – one of Fabergé’s famous hidden ‘surprises’.
Unusually for the time, this piece was designed by a woman, Alma Pihl, who was allegedly inspired by observing ice crystals forming on the window of her workshop. Nicholas II bought it for 24,600 rubles, one of the highest prices ever charged by Fabergé.
Why does it have such artistic value?
According to Kieran McCarthy, co-director of Wartski, a British antique jewelery dealer specializing in the works of Peter Carl Fabergé, the value of the egg lies in the craftsmanship rather than the materials. Noting that the tiny diamonds had “no intrinsic value”, he said their value came from their use in creating a “scintillating image of frost”. Holding a piece, he added, “is like holding an ice cube in your hand.”
Man accused of swallowing Fabergé medallion in unusual theft
In a separate incident, a New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé diamond locket during a robbery. The item, valued at NZ$33,585 ($19,300; £14,600), has still not been recovered, police told local media.
Officers were called to Partridge Jewelers in central Auckland last Friday, where the 32-year-old suspect was arrested moments later. He has since undergone medical checks and remains in custody, the BBC reported.
What other charges does the suspect face?
The man is due to appear in court again on December 8. He was also accused of stealing an iPad from the same store earlier in November, as well as taking NZ$100 worth of cat litter and flea products from a private address the following day.
