Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Ruby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg as miscellaneous (Russia, St. Petersburg · c. 1885–90).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

This tiny ruby or pink sapphire dangles from a diamond encrusted crown surprise, which is a replica of the Russian imperial crown made for Empress Catherine the Great in the 1700s.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this miscellaneous as gold, enamel, lapis lazuli, pearls, diamonds, rubies and credits Peter Carl Fabergé (Russian, 1846–1920).

The museum's collection notes: This Easter egg, like the subsequent ones produced by Fabergé for the imperial family, contains a surprise when opened. In this case, the egg opens to display a yellow enameled cover, resembling an egg yolk, which then opens to reveal a tiny replica of the Russian imperial crown, containing either a ruby or a pink sapphire suspended on a chain.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtRuby or Pink Sapphire Surprise from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg

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