July 12, 2022: Did you know the first Fabergé jewellery boutique opened in a basement shop, along the city’s most fashionable street in St. Petersburg, in 1842 by Gustav Fabergé? The iconic jewellery brand gained international fame when brothers Peter Carl Fabergé and Agathon took over the business.
The two brothers evolved the business into the most prominent jeweller across Europe. Fabergé quickly gained the admiration of royals, aristocrats and fashionable clientele across the globe and officially became known as the ‘artist jeweller’. Fabergé’s collections ranged from ingenious objet d’arts, flower studies and small gifts to colourful jewellery using an innovative array of gemstones that were brought to life, often using the age-old tradition of guilloché enamel. Today, these are treasured in the world’s leading museums and private collections.
Nearly two centuries later, Fabergé still prevails, and it has the surprise element that its audience loves. Launched in celebration of its 180 year history, the 180-year capsule collection takes its inspiration from ‘fluted’ gold creations in the Fabergé archive, a technique for which Peter Carl Fabergé was renowned. With a height of 62mm and a diameter of just 35mm, the Limited-Edition Rose Gold & Ruby Mini Fluted ‘180’ Egg Objet fits in the palm of your hand – a miniature masterpiece. At the centre on both sides of the egg is a glowing cabochon ruby, responsibly sourced from Gemfields’ Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique. The rubies have been selected for their exceptional colour, as well as for their symbolism – rubies have long been associated with passion, prosperity and protection.
A delicate row of smaller Gemfields rubies adds subtle texture and sparkle to the piece, separating the two radial patterns around the circumference. In a playful twist, the egg can be removed from its base. The objet reflects the colours of the environment around it, as gold is a highly reflective material.
When designing the objet, reflectivity was carefully considered by Fabergé’s Head Designer, Liisa Tallgren, since this would significantly impact the overall appearance of the finished piece. A highly polished, smoothly curved or flat surface would have reflected like a mirror, resulting in a restless and discontinuous look. However, the engraving and texture on this piece distribute light and shadow evenly across the surface, creating a sense of continuity and harmony.
The low points reflect the gold material, creating a beautiful golden glow. With 180 numbered pieces being made in commemoration, these objets are destined to be collectors’ items and future heirlooms.
Also launching to celebrate this special moment is the Colours of Love Rose Gold Diamond & Ruby ‘180’ Fluted Egg Pendant. With uniform vertical fluting around the egg’s circumference to create a tactile surface, this piece perfectly complements the egg objet. A Gemfields Mozambican ruby sits prettily on the base of the egg, radiating a pop of colour when worn. A row of white diamonds is set on the bail for added sparkle.
Ms. Tallgren of Fabergé says, “I’m very proud and grateful to have the chance to continue the legacy started by Gustav Fabergé 180 years ago and continued by his son Peter Carl Fabergé. Peter Carl’s works of art still fascinate today, and our exciting challenge is to create pieces that have that charm and romance but with a modern edge. Peter Carl Fabergé and his goldsmiths knew how to bring out the natural beauty of their materials. The textured metal with chasing, engraving, beading and fluting, which he and his workmasters so skillfully used to enchant everything from picture frames to egg objets. The Third Imperial Egg features fluting most prominently and is a brilliant example of how Fabergé creations are tastefully intricate and not ‘over the top’.”
The Fabergé Colours of Love Rose Gold & Ruby Mini Fluted ‘180’ Limited-Edition Egg Objet ($69,000/£62,760) and Fabergé Colours of Love Rose Gold Diamond & Ruby Fluted ‘180’ Egg Pendant ($8,000/£7,320) are available to purchase at selected Fabergé boutiques and their official website.
