Faberge: Imperial Russian Luxury Goldsmith and Jeweler
Faberge refers to the work of the House of Faberge, the legendary jewelry and decorative arts firm founded by Gustav Faberge in St. Petersburg in 1842 and elevated to international renown by his son Peter Carl Faberge (1846-1920). While the Imperial Easter Eggs made for Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II are the firm's most famous creations, Faberge produced thousands of objects including miniature hardstone animals, enameled cigarette cases, picture frames, clocks, desk accessories, and objets de fantaisie. The firm employed over 500 craftsmen at its peak and maintained branches in Moscow, Odessa, Kiev, and London.
History and Workmasters
Peter Carl Faberge took control of the firm around 1870 and transformed it into the foremost jeweler of the Russian Imperial Court. Key workmasters whose marks appear on Faberge pieces include:
- Michael Perchin (MP, 1886-1903): Chief workmaster responsible for many of the Imperial Eggs and important commissions
- Henrik Wigstrom (HW, 1903-1917): Perchin's successor, known for refined neoclassical designs
- Erik Kollin (EK, 1870-1886): Early workmaster, created the first Imperial Egg in 1885
- August Holmstrom (AH): Head jeweler specializing in gem-set pieces
- Anders Nevalainen (AN): Produced frames, cigarette cases, and small objects
- Julius Rappoport (IR): Head silversmith
The firm closed in 1918 following the Russian Revolution.
Identification and Marks
Authentic Faberge pieces carry multiple marks:
- Faberge name: In Cyrillic script (most common) or Latin letters (London branch)
- Workmaster's initials: Two-letter mark identifying the individual workshop
- Russian assay marks: Kokoshnik (female head in profile) with city letter (St. Petersburg or Moscow) and fineness number (56 for 14k gold, 72 for 18k gold, 84 for .875 silver, 88 for .916 silver, 91 for .947 silver)
- Inventory numbers: Scratched into the metal, linking to factory records
Fakes are pervasive. The most common forgeries involve adding Faberge marks to genuine period Russian silver or enamel work by other makers.
Types of Faberge Objects
- Imperial Easter Eggs: 50 were made for the Imperial family (1885-1916); 43 survive. These are virtually never on the open market.
- Miniature hardstone animals: Carved from semi-precious stones (agate, nephrite, obsidian, rock crystal) with gem-set eyes. Among the most collected Faberge objects.
- Enameled objects: Cigarette cases, frames, boxes, and clocks with guilloche enamel in characteristic colors
- Desk accessories: Letter openers, seals, bell pushes, and magnifying glasses
- Picture frames: Strut frames in silver-gilt and enamel, often with laurel or ribbon details
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature hardstone animal (common stone) | Figurine | $15,000 - $80,000 |
| Miniature hardstone animal (rare/important) | Figurine | $100,000 - $500,000+ |
| Guilloche enamel cigarette case | Silver-gilt | $20,000 - $100,000 |
| Small enamel picture frame | Silver-gilt | $15,000 - $60,000 |
| Silver desk seal | Desk accessory | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Enameled kovsh (small) | Vessel | $10,000 - $40,000 |
| Gold and enamel cufflinks (pair) | Jewelry | $8,000 - $30,000 |
| Imperial Easter Egg | Egg | $10,000,000 - $33,000,000+ |
| Silver photograph frame (large) | Frame | $20,000 - $80,000 |
| Bell push or parasol handle | Accessory | $8,000 - $35,000 |
Condition Factors
Enamel condition is paramount. Chips, cracks, or repairs to guilloche enamel surfaces significantly reduce value. Gold and silver mounts should show consistent wear appropriate to age; overly pristine surfaces on supposedly century-old pieces warrant scrutiny. Hardstone animals should be inspected for repairs, recarved areas, or replaced gem-set eyes. Original fitted cases add 10-20% to value and support authenticity. Engraved dedications or Imperial presentation inscriptions substantially increase value when authenticated.
Collecting Tips
- Authentication is the single most important consideration; buy only from established dealers or auction houses with documented provenance
- Hardstone animals offer the broadest range of price points for genuine Faberge and are the most actively traded category
- Guilloche enamel technique and color are key quality indicators; the finest pieces show perfect, even color with no visible brush marks beneath the translucent enamel
- The Faberge Research Site maintained by Christel McCanless and published references by Snowman, von Habsburg, and Lowes/McCanless are essential authentication resources
- Moscow branch pieces (marked with the Cyrillic "K.F" under the Imperial warrant eagle) differ in style from St. Petersburg production and are generally valued somewhat lower
- Post-Revolution Faberge items from the brief Paris operation (1920s) and modern licensed reproductions by Victor Mayer (for the Faberge brand) are not equivalent to Imperial-era production