Christie’s to Auction Fabergé’s 1913 Winter Egg

By Annie Davidson Watson | October 07, 2025

In a landmark moment for the world of fine jewelry and decorative arts, Christie’s will auction the Fabergé Winter Egg of 1913 later this year, the first time in more than two decades that a Fabergé imperial egg will be sold publicly.

The Winter Egg is estimated to achieve in excess of $25 million in Christie’s Dec. 2 London auction (which will include other pieces by Fabergé). It was last sold at auction, at Christie’s New York, in 2002 for $9.6 million.

Commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the Winter Egg is widely regarded as one of Fabergé’s greatest masterpieces. It is crafted from delicately carved rock crystal and adorned with 3,246 diamonds and platinum accents, for an icy aesthetic that captures the essence of a Russian winter. This egg was designed by Alma Pihl—one of the few female designers in Fabergé’s history—and executed by her uncle, workmaster Albert Holmström.

faberge winter egg — *The Winter Egg of 1913, with the flowerpot of wood anemones that usually sits inside it*

When opened, the egg reveals a surprise: a bouquet of wood anemones made of white quartz, gold, and demantoid garnet, with green leaves in nephrite. The flowers are emerging from “moss” of green gold within a basket of platinum and diamonds.

The upcoming sale will be a milestone not only for collectors but also for Fabergé itself. Sergei Mosunov, who acquired the brand a few months ago, expressed his enthusiasm after privately viewing the piece at Christie’s. “For me, this unique objet d’art embodies the historic legacy of the house of Fabergé and the story of Northern Palmyra, realized through exceptional artistry and craftsmanship,” Mosunov said in a statement. “This special moment has truly inspired me in my vision for Fabergé, working hard to unite past, present, and future, and reaffirms my desire to develop a unique Fabergé brand archive.”

(Photos courtesy of Christie’s)

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