You’ve seen Fabergé eggs in museums, heard whispers of them in movies and heist plots, and maybe even read about billionaires quietly trading them like priceless treasure. But here's where it really gets fascinating. Are all the Fabergé eggs actually accounted for? The short answer? No. The long answer? Let’s go down the rabbit hole.
The Origin of the Fabergé Mystique
It all began in 1885 when Russian Tsar Alexander III commissioned a dazzling Easter egg from master jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé. The first one - modestly known as the Hen Egg - was such a hit that it kicked off a tradition. Every year, the House of Fabergé created ornate eggs for the Romanov family, each hiding a surprise inside. Think diamonds, golden miniatures, tiny mechanical wonders. Pure imperial flex.
All in, there were around 50 “Imperial” eggs delivered to the Russian royal family between 1885 and 1917. (Two more were designed but never delivered). Add to that about a dozen more made for private clients, and you're looking at roughly 65 known eggs crafted under Fabergé's direction.
The Revolution That Changed Everything
Then came 1917, and with it, the Russian Revolution. The Romanovs were executed, and much of their treasure - Fabergé eggs included - was scattered to the winds. Some were looted, some stashed away in vaults, others quietly sold off during the Soviet regime to raise funds for the new government. The eggs started turning up in unexpected places: private collections in Europe, museums in the U.S., even estate sales where no one realized what they had.
That’s when the great game of Fabergé hide-and-seek truly began.
How Many Have Been Found?
As of now, fewer than 50 Fabergé eggs are known to exist. Experts believe that 43 of the original 50 Imperial eggs have been located. The rest? Still out there. Somewhere.
And yes, some have resurfaced in spectacular fashion. In 2014, a man in the U.S. unknowingly bought a Fabergé egg at a flea market for scrap gold value - around $13,000 - only to later discover it was one of the missing Imperial eggs worth over $30 million. Talk about a lucky break.
Could More Still Be Hiding?
Absolutely. Art historians and treasure hunters alike believe that at least seven Imperial eggs remain unaccounted for. That doesn’t even count potential eggs from private commissions or unfinished works. And with their intricate designs and priceless value, these eggs could be hiding in dusty drawers, old vaults, or secret private collections.
There’s also the possibility that some were destroyed - either during the revolution or simply lost to time. But hope remains. Every now and then, a blurry photo or vague auction listing sparks speculation that another might be out there.
Why Are These Eggs So Valuable?
It’s not just about gold and jewels - though there’s plenty of both. Each Fabergé egg is a masterclass in craftsmanship, made with meticulous detail and often hiding ingenious mechanical surprises. They’re historical artifacts, time capsules from the twilight of Imperial Russia, and symbols of a lost world. Combine that with their scarcity and mystery, and it’s no surprise they command millions at auction.
Collectors aren’t just buying an egg - they’re buying a piece of history.
The Hunt Continues
So, how many Fabergé eggs are missing? At least six of the Imperial ones. And that’s part of the magic. Somewhere out there, in a forgotten cabinet or tucked away in an old estate, one of the missing masterpieces could be waiting to be rediscovered. Until then, the Fabergé egg remains the ultimate treasure - one part art, one part mystery, and all allure.
