Faberge Imperial Russian Enamel Lilies of The Valley Diamond Ruby Gold Brooch RU
For your consideration is an exceedingly rare antique Russian Imperial Faberge Fire Enamel, Two-Tone Yellow and Rose Gold Old Mine / Rose Diamond and Burma Ruby Jewelled Lily of the Valley Brooch, K Design, KF Workmaster c. Moscow 56 Gold (14K) kokoshnik hallmark for Russian imperial gold and makers mark AN. The quality of the enamel work is exceptional, including the choice, placement and cut of stones. Original leather Faberge box with Imperial Warrant included. Dimensions: 45 x 30 x 10 mm.
A Fabergé workmaster is a craftsman who owned his ownworkshop and produced jewelry, silver or objets d'art for the House of Fabergé. When Carl Fabergé took over the running of the business in 1882, its outputincreased so rapidly that the two Fabergé brothers could not manage all theworkshops themselves. They therefore decided to establish independent workshops. The owners of these were committed to only work for the House ofFabergé that would supply the sketches and models of the objects to be made.
Nothing would be accepted by the House unless it had been approved by either Carl or his appointed deputy. The House of Fabergé also employed its own designers. However we also know from the Memoirs of François Birbaum written in 1919 (Birbaum was Head Designer of the House of Fabergé from 1896 to 1917) that Carlalso designed himself. The workmasters presided over teams of craftsmen and were responsible for executing pieces conceived by the company's designers. The House of Fabergé was staffed with some of the finest goldsmiths and jewelers available. It is often said that Fabergé did not make anything produced by the House of Fabergé.It is true that nothing has survived that can be said to have been the work of Carl Fabergé. His father, Gustav Fabergé and the founder of the House of Fabergé, ensured that his eldest son received the best possible training to take over the business. After Carls education in St. Petersburg, this was followed by a course at the Arts and Crafts School in Dresden, the city to which his parents had retired. He then embarked on an eight-year Grand Tour of Europe where he received tuition from respected goldsmiths in Germany, France and England.
The apprenticeship with these goldsmiths would have resulted in Carl working at the bench and producing objects. Petersburg during 1872 his fathers trusted Workmaster Hiskias Pendin acted as his mentorand tutor.
This would also have involved Carl working at the bench andproducing objects. When he was awarded the title Master Goldsmith in 1882, his reputation was then so high that the usual three-day examination was waived;this would not have happened if he had never made anything. The business was divided into several workshops, each withits own specialty. In addition to the fabulous easter eggs, the workshop also produced table silver, jewelry, European-style trinkets, and Russian-stylecarvings. The two master jewelers most responsible for making the Fabergé eggs were Michael Perchin and Finnish-born Henrik Wigström.
Born in 1860, Perchinbecame the leading workmaster in the House of Fabergé in 1886 and supervised production of the eggs until 1903. Those eggs he was responsible for have his MP (MP- Michael Perchin) markings. All signed eggs made after 1903 bear Henrik Wigstrom's HW mark. Of course, not all eggs were stamped, so other goldsmiths may have supervised production of some of the eggs.
Altogether there have been more than 40 workmasters. The item "Faberge Imperial Russian Enamel Lilies of The Valley Diamond Ruby Gold Brooch RU" is in sale since Friday, April 5, 2019. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Art Nouveau/Art Deco 1895-1935\Pins, Brooches".
The seller is "galleryoff5th" and is located in New York, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Material: Mixed Materials
- Main Stone: Diamond / Burmese Ruby
- Brand: Faberge
- Ethnic Origin: Russian
- Modified Item: No
- Metal: Rose Gold
- Metal Purity: 14k
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Russian Federation
- Certification: No