The Rare Treasures Of The Fabergé Workshop At GemGenève

Double-headed eagle brooch in gold, silver and diamonds.Workshop of Henrik Wigström, Carl Fabergé, St. Petersburg 1903. Provenance: Empress Maria Fedorovna of Russia.

From museum exhibits to trade and consumer shows and global auction sales, jewelry is a significant highlight of the worldwide fall into the holiday season. GemGenève, which takes place in Geneva from November 3-6, 2022 is a show that brings together major gem companies, antique and vintage dealers, modern design houses and emerging contemporary talents under one roof. Like most shows open to the trade and public, it boasts an educational series. This year, there is one in particular that will be a big draw for jewelry enthusiasts interested in the history behind spectacular objects and the beauty of the objects themselves.

If you have never heard of the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation, it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. As one of the commemorative events, it will host an exhibit at GemGenève, featuring the rare treasures of the Fabergé workshops and their influence on his contemporaries.

Gem-set “Snowflake” brooch in platinum and diamonds, Attributed to August Holström workshop, Carl Fabergé, after the design by Alma Pihl. Private collection.

The foundation felt there was popular knowledge surrounding the creation of theFabergé Imperial easter eggs, commissioned by the Russian Imperial family and important private patrons. Therefore this exhibition will present items coordinated from private collections. Over 100 pieces will be shown. By exhibiting more than 100 pieces from private collections, the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation is offering a glimpse into the richness and versatility of the Fabergé workshops. Many of them have not been previously shown in Europe and some of the pieces are being presented for the first time in this exhibition. These pieces include jewelry, accessories and small decorative items.

Here and above are the jewels that will be featured in the exhibition:

Enameled “Rocaille” brooch, Gold, diamonds, enamel, rose cut diamonds. Workshop of Mikhail Perkhin, Carl Fabergé Private collection.

Imperial “Double Chiffres” brooch, in gold, silver, diamonds and calibrated sapphires. Workmaster Carl Blank, St. Petersburg 1906. Provenance: gift from Emperor Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna to Mrs. Bompard wife of the French Ambassador in St. Petersburg Maurice Bompard. Palais Royal Hong Kong Ltd collection.

Gem-set, enameled “Treillis“ brooch in silver, gold, diamonds and enamel. Workmaster Carl Bok, St. Petersburg, circa 1890. Private collection.

Gem-set engraved sapphire pectoral icon of Virgin with Child with its partly enameled chain in gold and silver with rose cut diamonds. Workshop of Feodor Ruch, Carl Fabergé Ceylan sapphire, Icon chain. Palais Royal Hong Kong Ltd collection.

Enameled Double-headed Eagles bracelet in gold, silver, rose cut diamonds and deep blue enamel on a guilloché ground. Probably for Fabergé or Bolin. Paris circa 1900. Private collection.

Gem-set Fan shaped pendant in platinum, diamonds and enamel. St. Petersburg circa 1910. Attributed to Carl Fabergé firm. Private Collection

Enameled two-sided medallion in silver, gold, diamonds and enamel. Workshop of August Holmström, Carl Fabergé. Private collection