Russian Carnelian 18k Gold Egg Cufflinks by Marie Betteley

A fine pair of hand-carved egg-shaped carnelian cufflinks based on a Russian design from 1880 by the Fabergé workmaster, Erik Kollin. The well-matched orange carnelian links recall the highest quality Russian indigenous stone used in Fabergé animal carvings. Each egg is attached to a carnelian bar link by a small handmade 18k gold chain.

Designed by Marie Betteley, 1997

Length of egg link is approximately .5 in. (1.3 cm.); chain, .75 in. (1.9 cm.)

For a similar pair given by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna to Tsar Nicholas II on Christmas 1902, see Alexander Solodkoff, The Jewel Album of Tsar Nicholas II, London, 1997, no. 233.