Artwork Page for Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

Details / Information for Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

c. 1885–90
designer

attributed to Peter Carl Fabergé

(Russian, 1846–1920)
maker

attributed to House of Fabergé

(Russian, 1842–1918)
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Culture
Russia, St. Petersburg
Medium
gold, enamel, lapis lazuli, pearls, diamonds, rubies
Credit Line
The India Early Minshall Collection 1966.436.c
Public Domain
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Location
211 Fabergé
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Did You Know?

This tiny ruby or pink sapphire dangles from a diamond encrusted crown surprise, which is a replica of the Russian imperial crown made for Empress Catherine the Great in the 1700s.

Description

This Easter egg, like the subsequent ones produced by Fabergé for the imperial family, contains a surprise when opened. In this case, the egg opens to display a yellow enameled cover, resembling an egg yolk, which then opens to reveal a tiny replica of the Russian imperial crown, containing either a ruby or a pink sapphire suspended on a chain.
A silver-toned and ruby pendant features a teardrop-shaped red gemstone. The deep red, voluminous stone tapers upward and is flecked with minute internal specks. Above it hangs a short chain of three interlocking metal rings, the largest at the top oriented toward us. The lowest ring connects to a hole at the gemstone's narrowest point. Polished and smooth, the translucent gem catches light throughout its rounded body.

Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

c. 1885–90

Peter Carl Fabergé, House of Fabergé

(Russian, 1846–1920), (Russian, 1842–1918)
Russia, St. Petersburg

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