3 Record-Breaking Fabergé Egg Auctions That Shattered Price Expectations

Fabergé eggs have fascinated collectors for over a century, known not just for their beauty, but also for their incredible value and royal legacy. In a recent spotlight, Auction Daily highlighted three historic auctions that redefined what a fabergé egg price can be in today’s high-end collectibles market.

The Winter Egg – Christie’s New York, 2002

Crafted in 1913 and designed with rock crystal, platinum, gold, and thousands of diamonds, the Winter Egg is one of the most elaborate Imperial creations. Given by Tsar Nicholas II to his mother, the Empress, this egg included a quartz flower basket surprise, now considered among the most luxurious ever made.

Fabergé egg auctions in history: The Winter Egg, brought to auction by 

Christie’s.

Image from The Jewelry Editor.

When it appeared at Christie’s in 2002, its estimated value was USD 4–6 million. However, due to intense demand, the hammer came down at over USD 9.5 million, setting a new benchmark for fabergé egg price at the time. Collectors quickly took note, as such records have a direct impact on how people perceive a faberge egg for sale at future auctions.

The Third Imperial Easter Egg – Rediscovered, 2014

This rare Fabergé egg, believed lost for nearly a century, was unknowingly purchased by a scrap metal dealer in the U.S. for around USD 13,000. After years in a kitchen cupboard, a curious search into its markings revealed it to be the long-lost Third Imperial Egg, created in 1887 for Tsar Alexander III.

Once authenticated, it was estimated to be worth USD 33 million. Its dramatic rediscovery emphasized just how unpredictable the fabergé egg price market can be—and how easily treasures can remain hidden in plain sight. It’s now a cautionary tale for anyone encountering a faberge egg for sale without verifying its origins.

The Rothschild Egg – Christie’s London, 2007

In 2007, a surprise surfaced from the Rothschild family’s private collection. The Rothschild Egg, made in 1902 as an engagement gift, featured a stunning mechanical cockerel that emerged hourly to flap its wings and crow. Combining engineering, artistry, and heritage, this egg was nothing short of astonishing.

   Fabergé egg auctions in history: The Rothschild Fabergé Egg. Image from Christie’s.

When it went to auction at Christie’s in London, it broke all prior records, selling for £8.98 million (approx. USD 12.6 million). At the time, it was the most expensive fabergé egg for sale ever sold, setting a record not only for Russian art but also for timepieces and decorative objects d’art. It also helped push public awareness around the growing fabergé egg price curve.

Why These Eggs Command Such High Prices

The combination of royal provenance, intricate craftsmanship, and scarcity makes Fabergé eggs extraordinarily valuable. Only 50 Imperial eggs were ever produced, and fewer than that survive. Each one that surfaces on the open market tells a story and brings intense interest from museums and elite collectors.

But what truly drives the value is the craftsmanship. The Fabergé workshop blended goldsmithing, enameling, gemstones, and hidden surprises into every piece. When you see a genuine faberge egg for sale, you’re not just buying an object—you’re buying imperial Russian history.

Additionally, when these rare artifacts are rediscovered—as in the case of the Third Imperial Egg—their stories create a media sensation, boosting the fabergé egg price far beyond typical luxury benchmarks.

For Collectors Eyeing the Market

Today, if you come across a faberge egg for sale, it’s important to scrutinize the listing. Authentic Imperial eggs are nearly always housed in museum collections or with major private collectors. While modern Fabergé-branded eggs do exist, they are not of the same caliber or historical significance.

That said, the Fabergé name remains a magnet in the world of fine art and antiques. With each record-breaking auction, the fabergé egg price continues to climb, turning these treasures into legendary investments. Even replicas or modern interpretations benefit from the prestige of the name.

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