A lovely, Imperial Russian miniature egg pendant, made around the turn of the 20th century. This egg-shaped pendant is modeled in 56 zolotnik gold, andis decorated with elaborate enamel work, in lavender, periwinkle, and white. Thescallop and shield-shapedguilloche enamel sections are separated by white guilloche enamel borders, andeach of the lavender sectionsis decorated with a charming wheat motif. In Christian symbolism, wheat is symbolic of the resurrection, which is appropriate since these little eggs were traditionally given as gifts during eastertide. This egg is especially wonderful and ornate, but has some areas of loss.Our macro photos greatly exaggerate flaws . . . thisminiaturejewel is still exquisite in hand!

Materials

56 Zolotnik Gold (14k)
Enamel

Age

c. 1890 - 1900

Dimensions

Length without suspension ring approx 17.4 mm; width is approx 12 mm.

Notes

This little egg was part of a family collection, originating in St. Petersburg, and passed down from a great-grandmother to her female grandchildren. Eachof theseeggs, which were originally given as gifts during eastertide, was sewn intothis woman's garments when her family fled to Finland, to escape the violence of the Russian Revolution.