Russian Gold Diamond Egg Pendant by Köchli, circa 1900
From the Romanov era, period of Tsar Nicholas II, this deep pink rhodochrosite egg enhanced with overlapping gold bands each terminating in a bead set rose-cut diamond was made by the leading Russian court jeweler, Friedrich Köchli (1837-1906). With gold suspension ring.
By Köchli, St. Petersburg, circa 1900, the ring stamped with maker’s initials F K and 56, the Russian gold standard for 14k with the assaymaster’s mark.
1 in. (2.5 cm) long including outer suspension ring; egg alone measures 5/8 in. (1.6 cm) long; 3/8 in. (1 cm) wide. Chain not included.
SKU: ME170
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Friedrich Köchli was a leading Russian court jeweler during the reigns of the Tsar Alexander III and Nicholas II. By 1903 the firm had surpassed even Fabergé by accumulating no less than four grand ducal warrants.
As sons or grandsons of the tsar, grand dukes were influential figures in the Russian Court, wielding enormous power, sometimes over the tsar himself. Each upon reaching the age of 18 was given by the sovereign an entire palace and a yearly stipend of 100,000 rubles (over $1 M).
Grand ducal seals of approval were more difficult to obtain than the imperial warrants from the tsar and symbolized excellence of design and workmanship. Only those who had supplied the Russian imperial court for eight consecutive years were eligible for this distinction.
For more information see Friedrich Köchli: The Grand Dukes’ Favorite in Beyond Fabergé: Imperial Russian Jewelry by Marie Betteley and David Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, Schiffer, 2020.
