Description: |
The world of Peter Carl Fabergé
changed on the day that he was contacted by Alexander III,
the Emperor of Russia, to create an Easter gift for his
wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1855. The House of Fabergé
was already well known in Russia as a high-end jewelry
house, renown for their perfection, but this commission was
truly an important one. The first egg, the Hen Egg,
delighted the Empress so much that a standing yearly order
was placed. The tradition continued from 1885 through 1917
for a total of 50 Imperial Eggs created by the House of
Fabergé for Emperor Alexander III and Nicholas II, his son.
Many of the eggs had end caps of
portrait diamonds (a highly faceted flat-backed diamond)
that protected a miniature painting or enamel. The
Coronation Egg (c. 1897) has the portrait diamond covering a
jeweled monogram of Empress Alexandra (Nicolas II's wife)
and the date. Celebrating her coronation, this egg opens to
reveal a perfect miniature carriage! Along with portrait
diamond end caps many of the eggs had pop up components,
like miniature lockets.
Along with Easter Eggs, there
were other commissions to include a clock and 19 fabulous
snuffboxes. One of the snuffboxes has a locket on the lid
that opens to show a portrait of Emperor Nicholas II. These
works of art are a testament to the glory and tragic fate of
the last ruling Romanov family. Thankfully, many of these
pieces still exist for the world to enjoy and to reflect on
the lives of a royal family.
The Secret Lies Within
is a locket that opens to reveal images of your dear ones. A
personal piece, the locket can be presented on a cuff
bracelet (in this case) or on a necklace. Photographs are
protected with a laminating film then supported and bezeled
in peyote stitch. The two halves are connected, embellished
beautifully, and in this case attached to a beaded cuff.
This design is all about the locket as it can be used in
quite a few ways. Whether you place it on a cuff bracelet, a
long chain or a close fitting necklace, the design is truly
timeless!
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