Faberge's Winter Egg Shatters Records with £22.9 Million Sale at London Auction

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In a dazzling display of opulence, a rare Faberge egg has broken all records, selling for a staggering £22.9 million at a Christie's auction in London. The exquisite Winter Egg, crafted over a century ago for Russia's Tsar Nicholas II, has solidified its place as one of Faberge's most prized creations. The egg, featuring 4,500 rose-cut diamonds and delicate rock crystal craftsmanship, has set a new world auction record for a work by the legendary jeweller. This is the third time the egg has shattered records, with its previous sales in 2002 and 2007 fetching £9.6 million and £9 million, respectively. Comissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913 for his mother, the Winter Egg is one of the 50 Imperial Easter Eggs created by Faberge over a 31-year period. Only 43 of these rare eggs remain, making them highly sought after by collectors. The egg's intricate design, including diamond-encrusted platinum snowflakes and a bouquet of white quartz anemones inside, has left experts in awe. 'The technique and craftsmanship that went into creating this egg is truly exceptional,' said Christie's Margo Oganesian. 'It's one of the rarest items you can find.' The Winter Egg's sale has sparked renewed interest in Faberge's Imperial Easter Eggs, which have been gaining popularity on the art market in recent decades. As one of the few remaining Imperial Eggs, the Winter Egg's sale is a significant milestone in the history of Russian art and craftsmanship.