Thursday, 5th February 2004 (4551 views)

A Russian oil tycoon has today stepped in to buy one of the most exquisitely fashioned pieces of jewellery in the world.

Industrialist Victor Vekselberg has landed a prize collection of Faberge eggs, crafted from gold enamel, for an undisclosed fee.

Mr Vekselberg bought the collection from American publisher Malcolm Forbes and says he plans to bring the eggs home to Russia, where the collection was originally housed.

The sale, which includes 12 of the bejewelled eggs, was conducted by Sotheby, with analysts speculating that the most valued item in the deal - the Coronation Egg - could go for as much as $24 million itself.

Just 13 centimetres tall, the eggs have commanded a fascination from a wide range of collectors, with the beautifully intricate gems and jewellery designs astounding observers.

Mr Vekselberg said the collection “represents perhaps the most significant example of our cultural heritage outside Russia”.

“The religious, spiritual and emotional content captured by these Faberge eggs touches upon the soul of the Russian people,” he added.

Carl Faberge created jewellery for European royalty in the 19th century, and was commissioned by Czar Alexander III of Russia in 1885 as an Easter gift for his wife, beginning a tradition that grew the collection.

 

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