House Of Fabergé

Place: Saint Petersburg

Born: 1842

Death: 1918

Biography:

The House of Fabergé was a renowned Russian jewellery firm founded in 1842 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, by Gustav Fabergé. The firm is famous for designing elaborate jewel-encrusted Fabergé eggs for the Russian Tsars and other work of high quality and intricate detail.

Early Years

Gustav Fabergé was born in 1814 in Pärnu, Estonia, to a family of French Huguenot descent. He trained as a goldsmith under Andreas Ferdinand Spiegel in Saint Petersburg and later worked for the celebrated firm of Keibel, goldsmiths and jewellers to the emperors. In 1841, Gustav earned the title of Master Goldsmith and opened his shop, House of Fabergé, in a basement.

Notable Works

The House of Fabergé is best known for its Imperial Napoleonic Egg, crafted by Peter Carl Fabergé, which can be found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other notable works include the Hen Egg, which features a golden "yolk" and a ruby pendant. The firm's designs were often inspired by Russian culture and history, such as the Peter the Great Egg.

Awards and Recognition

The House of Fabergé was awarded the title of "Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown" in 1885. Peter Carl Fabergé was also appointed as the official jeweller to the Russian Imperial Court. Key Facts:

• The House of Fabergé was founded in 1842 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
• Gustav Fabergé was the founder of the firm and a renowned goldsmith.
• Peter Carl Fabergé was Gustav's son and took over the business after his father's retirement.
• The firm is famous for designing Fabergé eggs for the Russian Tsars.
• The House of Fabergé was nationalised by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

For more information on the House of Fabergé, please visit Fabergé eggs or House of Fabergé. The Museum Collection of Jacques - Natasha Gelman (Mexico City, Mexico) and the Primorye State Picture Gallery (Vladivostok, Russia) also feature works by the House of Fabergé.