Faberge Eggs: The Original Secret Easter Egg

Faberge eggs are among the most beautiful ornaments ever constructed; not to mention being one of the few things actually worth their exorbitant price. The very first of the jewel-encrusted treasures made an appearance on this earthly realm in 1886 when it was presented at the court of Tsar Alexander III of Russia. The egg form was chosen because Easter eggs had long been a tradition among member of the Russian royal family. Every Faberge egg was constructed of precious metals that could be found in the dirt that was spread across the length and breadth of Mother Russia. The really engaging part of these masterpieces, however, was that each unfolded to reveal a hidden surprise.

The genius behind these priceless works of art was Peter Carl Faberge. He had traveled relentlessly throughout Europe during his youth and had been blown away by royal treasures he'd witnessed. At the still tender age of 24, Peter Faberge returned to settle in St. Petersburg, where he took over the family business: a jewelry shop. With his continental education as the driving force, young Peter became quite the American entrepreneur...except he was Russian. He had a vision of expanding the modest little jewelry store in something incredibly impressive. Something worldly. Something...international. Before long the Faberge name was known in Kiev, Moscow and even on the steps of Odessa. It was in 1884 that Peter Faberge was appointed Russia's imperial jeweler. Two years later, of course, the future of high powered art auctions was changed forever with the introduction of the very first Faberge egg.