From Kings and Queens to entrepreneurs, many of the most prominent and wealthy collectors of the 20th and 21st century have been beguiled by the lure of a Fabergé Egg. There are just 50 pre-1917 Imperial Eggs. These exceptionally precious creations are some of the most valuable objects in the world.
Now, in a contemporary fashion, a new Fabergé Egg has been created. Two of the world’s most esteemed houses of luxury have joined forces to create one unique objet d’art.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé proudly announce the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg
For the first time in history, an iteration of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the enigmatic mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911, is in the cocoon of an exquisite, contemporary, Fabergé Egg. The design is the work of Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes. Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Talgren rendered it. Iu the end, Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones brought to life. He created a contemporary interpretation of one of the world’s most fabled and prized possessions.
This ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg is the second commissioned in the ‘Imperial Class’ since 1917
That is the category for only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations. And it celebrates the history, heritage and legend of both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé.
The Egg connects the elements that lie at the very core of each marque – the Spirit of Ecstasy, the illustrious muse that has guided each Rolls-Royce motor car for over a century, and the form of a Fabergé Egg, the pinnacle of ornamental expression. The masterpiece resulting from this distinguished collaboration reflects the extraordinary attention to detail and the consummate craftsmanship for which both brands are famous to this day.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented:
“’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an Egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”
A team of seven craftspeople from Fabergé undertook the challenge of fabricating the design They used the finest materials married with their extraordinary skill as artist jewellers. At first glance, the Egg is unmistakable in its character. It stands at 160mm and weighs just 400g. The Egg harnesses the ‘surprise and delight’ attributes for which Imperial Eggs are so famous.
The Egg rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the Egg, acting as a protective chamber for the Egg’s precious inhabitant. Upon operating the movement via a discreet lever at the base of the stand, a sense of theatre ensues as the boughs open to present the fine figurine of the Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal, standing nobly in her opulent surrounds. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst weighing over 390 carats, specially selected for its colour saturation and quality. The purple hue of the enamel and amethyst provide a playful nod to the use of colour found in Fabergé’s heritage.
The technical mastery of Fabergé prevails
The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg adopts a highly complex operating mechanism. It is conceived through computer-aided design and animation, developed with micro engineering. The piece embodies both the artistic design and engineering skill that one expects from a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Fabergé. And it has probably the most complicated opening of any Fabergé Egg to date.
Sean Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer, Fabergé said:
“A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé Egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.”
Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added:
“Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg marks a demonstration of the reputation that Fabergé proudly carries today.”
There were fifty Imperial Easter Eggs created for the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1916
These creations have an inextricable link to the lives of the Romanov family. Ten Eggs came in the period from 1885 to 1893 during the reign of Emperor Alexander III. A further 40 appeared during the rule of his dutiful son, Nicholas II. There were two each year – one for his mother the dowager, the second for his wife.
The premiere of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg is at the House of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. The Egg will then be on public display in Fabergé’s London window this Christmastime.
