The imperial eggs

A legendary story. Fabergé’s imperial legacy was defined by the creation of the fifty Imperial Easter Eggs crafted for the Romanov family. First commissioned in 1885 by Tsar Alexander III, the tradition was later continued by his son, Nicholas II, until 1916. Symbols of renewal and artistry, each exquisitely crafted objet d’art carried stories of the past, forever
capturing Fabergé’s imperial history in a spectacular manner.

These extraordinary works of art inspired the Maison’s emblematic creations, paying tribute to Fabergé’s illustrious imperial heritage. Discover the eggs that inspired the Maison’s iconic collections, each revealing a story of craftsmanship, innovation and timeless wonder.

THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND

The Maison’s imperial story was written by Peter Carl Fabergé, the visionary who transformed the world of jewellery into a realm of artistic possibility. By combining technical mastery with boundless creativity, he redefined jewellery-making and crafted an extraordinary legacy of imperial creations that continue to captivate generations.

Carl Fabergé at his desk
Fabergé Hen Egg First Imperial Egg with gold hen surprise

THE STORY BEGINS

The first Imperial Egg ever created in 1885 inspired the Fabergé No. 1 Collection, showcasing the purity and minimalism of the clean lines that define this masterpiece, inspired by an 18th century egg. This remarkably realistic interpretation conceals a series of surprises that elevate the creation into a mesmerising work of art. This imperial objet not only challenged the conventions of traditional jewellery-making, but also united artistry and craftsmanship in a way never before seen. Its surprise, a gold hen set with ruby eyes, originally concealed an additional treasure now lost to history: a miniature replica of the Imperial Crown with ruby egg pendants attached. Following this first commission, Fabergé was bestowed the title of "Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown.”

Fabergé Hen Egg First Imperial Egg with gold hen surprise
Fabergé Hen Egg First Imperial Egg with gold hen surprise
Fabergé Third Imperial Egg with fluted gold, sapphire and Vacheron Constantin watch Fabergé Third Imperial Egg with fluted gold, sapphire and Vacheron Constantin watch

1887

The Third Imperial Egg

Commissioned by Tsar Alexander III for his wife, Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, in 1887, this remarkable golden masterpiece was long thought lost. Rediscovered in 2011, the Third Imperial Egg was last exhibited publicly in 2014 before being acquired by a private collector. Its rediscovery reduced the number of missing Imperial Eggs to seven. The Third Imperial Egg features the emblematic fluted motif that later inspired the Love by Fabergé Collection, as well as a surprise watch by Vacheron Constantin.

Fabergé Rosebud Imperial Egg with diamonds and yellow rosebud surprise Fabergé Rosebud Imperial Egg with diamonds and yellow rosebud surprise

1895

THE ROSEBUD EGG

Created ten years after the first Imperial Egg, the Rosebud Egg marks a new chapter in Fabergé’s history. As the first egg commissioned by Nicholas II following his father’s death, it conveyed a message of continuity and romanticism for his wife, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. The yellow rosebud serves as a nostalgic nod to the Tsarina’s homeland and opens to reveal two surprises: a miniature replica of the Imperial Crown and a ruby pendant. Both treasures were later removed from the egg and lost following the Revolution.

Fabergé Coronation Egg with a miniature red and gold Imperial Coach Fabergé Coronation Egg with a miniature red and gold Imperial Coach

1897

The Coronation Egg

The inspiration behind the Fabergé Crown Collection, the Coronation Egg is regarded as one of the Maison’s most precious imperial creations. The refinement of the guilloché enamel work, combined with intricate trellis motifs, creates a design that is both textured and vibrant. Its surprise, a miniature replica of the Imperial Coach, was meticulously crafted to reproduce the extraordinary detail of the original carriage.

Fabergé Lilies of The Valley Imperial Egg with gold, diamonds and pink guilloché enamel Fabergé Lilies of The Valley Imperial Egg with gold, diamonds and pink guilloché enamel

1898

THE LILIES OF THE VALLEY EGG

Designed in the Art Nouveau style, the Lilies of the Valley Egg distinguished itself from previous Imperial Eggs by introducing a new aesthetic direction that the Maison embraced for years to come. The Fabergé Code Collection reflects the spirit of innovation and artistic expression embodied by this imperial creation, breaking with tradition in an abstract and contemporary manner to reveal creations of exceptional splendour.