Faberge - The Ultimate Jewel Box

Good things come in small boxes. That's what my mother always said, usually on a holiday, when she was unwrapping a little fuzzy black case of jewelry from my dad (husbands, take note!). But as much as women love the bling inside the boring boxes, fancy packaging can put us over the moon. Carl Faberge, a talented goldsmith and jeweler in turn of the (last) century Russia figure that one out and took the concept over the top. Moving way beyond paper and ribbons, Faberge designed exquisite little gold and enamel boxes that were like jewels themselves. And, after he was commissioned by Tsar Alexander III to make a gold Easter egg for his wife the Empress, he became world-renowned for his egg-shaped boxes.

Faberge designed 54 Imperial Eggs for the Russian royal family. Each one is a unique, stunning and often whimsical work of art. You can learn all about the amazing history of these Faberge eggs, and the little treasures hidden inside them, in this A&E DVD Treasure! The Czar's Faberge Eggs (from $6).


The original Faberge eggs sell for millions of dollars. But if you're looking for an affordable but decorative box, this American Procurement Faberge Style Enameled Egg ($45) is just the thing. Small and ornately detailed in 22karat gold and enamel, they open up to hold your tiniest treasures. Everyone from one to one hundred will love this delightful trinket box. But betware -your five year-old will co-opt it to hold her Silly Bandz!
This Platinum Swarovski Crystal Faberge Style Egg Box with Post Earring Stud Set ($90) is the perfect gift for the Tsarina in your life. The glittery Swarovski crystal jewelry stud earrings add elegance to any outfit, but the Faberge style egg box is just as beautiful in stunning platinum-hued Swarovski crystals. It's like two gifts in one!



Totally intrigued by the amazing workmanship of Faberge? Want to try your hand at making your own? Check out Decorating Eggs In The Style of Faberge (from $27). This complete illustrated guide will have you making Christmas ornaments, christening gifts and photo albums all from a tiny, simple egg. Who knows, you could be the next Faberge!

Tell us - how do you like your eggs? Jeweled? Enameled? Or both?! Leave a comment below.

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