Russian Imperial-era Miniature Easter Egg Pendants on 18k Gold Necklace
$22,500.00
Rare 18k yellow gold necklace suspending Russian miniature Easter egg pendants, each from the Romanov era, period of Tsar Nicholas II.
Before the Russian revolution such egg pendants were distributed to women and young girls on Easter morning as symbols of the Resurrection of Christ in the Russian Orthodox Church, which were then attached on chains year after year. This necklace reflects this tradition. Featuring thirteen miniature eggs, each entirely original from the tsarist era, with no signs of repairs or alterations except perhaps on the outer rings. From left to right:
Nephrite (a form of dark green jade), gold suspension ring, possibly by Fabergé, circa 1900
Small red enamel on silver engraved XB for Christ is Risen in Russian (Christos Voskrese), silver suspension ring stamped 84, the Russian silver standard with kokoshnik for 1899-1908
Shaded cloisonné enamel mounted in silver, the inner ring stamped 84, circa 1900
Gold cabochon (rounded) ruby with rose-cut diamonds in a swirl, circa 1900
Beautiful en plein (like a painting) enamel pansy on silver, enameled XB for Christ is Risen in Russian, possibly by Ovchinnikov, very rare, stamped 84, circa 1900
Smaller textured gold decorated with swirls and set with a trefoil of peridots or green garnets symbolizing in the Russian Orthodox Church the Trinity, stamped 56 the Russian silver standard for 14k gold (lead solder) circa 1900
Cloisonné enamel inverted pear shape on silver, illegible stamps probably from Moscow, circa 1900
Smaller gold egg decorated with a daisy set with a cabochon ruby, stamped 56, St. Petersburg, 1908-17
Carnelian (pink hardstone) egg set within a gold swirling cagework, stamped 56 with kokoshnik, probably St. Petersburg, circa 1900
Gold filigree egg with scrolls and grey enamel dots, with Austrian import mark, but Russian, circa 1900
Small cloisonné enamel silver egg, stamped 84, assaymaster Yakov Liapunov, St. Petersburg, circa 1900
Neoclassical style cobalt blue enamel egg with gold swags, unusual, illegible marks, circa 1900
Silver with swirl design, stamped 84, Delta sign for Moscow, 1908-17
Each attached to and carefully spaced at regular intervals (to avoid eggs hitting one another) on a beautiful 18k gold modern open link chain-20 in.
All original. Condition: Some outer rings with traces of old solder. Overall very good condition considering age of pendants.
Provenance: Most eggs purchased at A la Vieille Russie, New York.
Marie’s note: In all my years in business this is the best I’ve seen. It’s the only egg necklace which looks great in its entirety and on almost any outfit. The unique Russian eggs which are all original from the Romanov era and created by top imperial Russian jewelers are beautifully spaced and display a wonderful variety in keeping with the original owner’s discerning taste. The 18k gold chain at 20 inches is a perfect length.