Not all treasures are buried deep underground—some are hiding in plain sight, like on a dusty bric-a-brac table in the U.S. That’s exactly where one of the world’s most valuable lost artifacts was found: a Fabergé Egg, once gifted by Russian royalty, bought for a mere $14,000.
What seemed like a curious antique turned out to be an imperial jewel, designed by Peter Carl Fabergé, the legendary Russian jeweler. With only 69 of these masterpieces ever made—and eight lost to history—this unexpected discovery stunned even the experts.
The egg in question was identified as the Third Imperial Easter Egg, commissioned by Tsar Alexander III in 1887 for his wife, Maria Feodorovna. Initially purchased by an anonymous buyer in a junk sale, the object’s modest price tag only accounted for its gold and gemstone value. As Kieran McCarthy, Fabergé specialist and director of London’s Wartski Gallery, put it:
“He paid $14,000 for it… based solely and purely upon the value of the metals and the gemstones within the Easter egg.”
Its true value? An astonishing $33 million.
Describing the moment of realization, McCarthy called it “spine tingling,” comparing the experience to something out of Indiana Jones. For Fabergé experts who spend years chasing leads and cataloging fragments, a complete and original egg surfacing is the ultimate prize.
What makes these eggs so valuable isn’t just their royal provenance. Each Fabergé Egg was handcrafted with meticulous detail, combining artistic genius with exceptional technical skill. This particular egg features an ornate stand, adorned with four distinct types of gold, shaped into floral motifs—an extraordinary feat even by modern standards.
“The simplicity belies the difficulty of producing such a work,” said McCarthy. “It takes a craftsman at the very height of his powers to do this.”
And true to Easter tradition, the egg contains a surprise—not a yolk, but a hidden watch, which pops up when a diamond is pressed. Remarkably, the watch still works and kept perfect time after being wound for the first time in decades.
This rare find reminds us that hidden treasures still exist, even in today’s hyper-connected world. The egg is now safe and cherished, but seven other lost Fabergé Eggs remain unaccounted for—an open invitation to collectors, historians, and adventurers alike.
From a flea market find to a royal masterpiece, the rediscovery of this Fabergé Egg proves that history still has secrets to reveal. And with seven imperial eggs still missing, who knows what priceless gem might be waiting in the next attic or antique fair?
