Fabergé’s Winter Egg Fetches Record $30.2 Million at Auction

A stunning Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, has set a new world record by selling for £22.9 million (approximately $30.2 million) at an auction in London. The auction took place on Tuesday, with the buyer remaining anonymous, according to auction house Christie’s.

The Winter Egg, which is adorned with 4,500 diamonds, was originally commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913 as a Christmas gift for his mother, Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna. This exquisite piece is considered one of the most beautiful creations by the renowned jeweler, and its auction result surpasses the previous record of £8.9 million, achieved in 2007.

A Masterpiece of Imperial History

Standing at a height of 8.2 cm, the egg was designed by Karl Fabergé and crafted under the guidance of Alma Teresita Fil, one of the few female masters in the jeweler’s St. Petersburg firm. The egg is carved from rock crystal and features diamonds cut in the shape of roses, alongside platinum snowflake motifs. When opened, it reveals a basket containing a bouquet of white quartz flowers.

Fabergé eggs were produced from 1885 until 1917, during the reign of the Romanov dynasty, when Nicholas II was forced to abdicate. The tradition of creating these eggs began with Tsar Alexander III, who gifted a decorative egg to his wife each Easter. Nicholas II continued this tradition, gifting eggs to both his wife and mother.

After the execution of Nicholas II and his family in 1918, the Winter Egg changed hands several times. In 1920, a London dealer acquired it for just £450, as impoverished communist authorities sold off various Russian artistic treasures.

Historic Significance and Ownership Changes

For two decades, the Winter Egg was believed to be lost until it reappeared at a Christie’s auction in 1994, valued at 7 million Swiss francs. It subsequently sold again in 2002 for 9.6 million francs. The Fabergé firm created only 50 eggs for the Romanov family, with the Winter Egg being one of the mere seven still in private ownership. The remaining eggs are either missing or housed in museums and institutions.

The auction result highlights the enduring allure and historical significance of Fabergé eggs, reinforcing their status as coveted masterpieces in the world of fine art and collectibles.