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Fabergé Jewellery: One of the Antiques Roadshow’s Best Finds
May
It’s not every day that something discovered at the bottom of a handbag ends up being one of the Antiques Roadshow’s best finds—but that’s exactly what happened when a guest brought in a small wooden box with a mysterious jewel inside. What looked like a charming piece of costume jewellery turned out to be a Fabergé jewel—a relic of Russia’s opulent past, and a heart-melting example of why Fabergé continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
The Power of a Box
As soon as the expert spotted the small box nestled inside the guest’s handbag, there was a spark of recognition. The container was made of Hollywood, a type of wood famously used by the House of Fabergé. The box’s interior lining—luxurious satin and silk—was printed with the hallmark: K. Fabergé, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Odessa. That alone was enough to quicken any antique enthusiast’s pulse.
The family who brought it had no idea of its origin, having found it among their late mother’s possessions. Yet the moment the guest’s daughter spotted the writing, she remarked, “That’s Russian—I think it says Fab.” She was absolutely right.
An Object of Modest Materials, Yet Immense Value
The brooch itself was a tiny heart-shaped pin, set with diamonds and a green gemstone thought to be zircon—a stone with high refraction and dazzling sparkle. Around the heart was a delicate flash of yellow enamel, beneath which a textured, engraved ground was visible—an unmistakable mark of Fabergé craftsmanship.
From a material point of view, the object might not appear particularly valuable. The zircon and small diamonds are not of great financial worth on their own. The gold content was described as negligible. Yet this is the very essence of Fabergé jewellery: luxury derived from artistry and heritage rather than raw materials.
Fabergé did not cater to bargain hunters. It was a shop for the Edwardian elite—clients with unimaginable wealth. Even modest trinkets from the brand were intended for those who understood the significance of craftsmanship and symbolism.
A Romantic Keepsake
The design—a heart suspended on a bar—almost certainly had sentimental meaning, likely symbolising love or devotion. This was not a mass-market bauble, but a deeply personal gift, possibly exchanged between lovers or family members.
Adding to its historical charm, the brooch was likely sold between 1903 and 1915, based on the printed satin listing the three Fabergé branches. The Odessa outlet, specifically, did not open until 1903, offering a valuable clue to its date of manufacture.
Running down the back of the brooch was a series of finely engraved numbers. These would have corresponded to Fabergé’s internal stock records—something akin to a luxury barcode. Unfortunately, the expert had already checked the London records and found no match, but the presence of such numbering confirmed the object’s authenticity.
A Forgotten Treasure
It’s rare to encounter such a significant piece of Fabergé jewellery in such excellent condition. The only damage was a broken pin on the back—easily repairable. The jewel had quietly sat among family belongings for decades, its significance unnoticed until the Antiques Roadshow’s best finds expert revealed its true identity.
This forgotten treasure is a poignant reminder of Russia’s imperial past—a time when opulence, art, and symbolism collided to produce some of the most beloved antiques in the world.
How Much Is It Worth?
Though the materials were modest, the brooch’s provenance, craftsmanship, and rarity significantly enhanced its value. The expert estimated it could fetch £8,000, perhaps more at auction given current demand for Fabergé pieces.
That valuation reflects more than mere gold and stones. It reflects history, storytelling, and a legacy tied to one of the most celebrated jewellers of all time.
Fabergé Jewellery: Always in Fashion
While the House of Fabergé is most famous for its Imperial Easter Eggs, it produced a vast range of decorative objects and jewellery, much of it in small batches or as unique commissions. Their pieces stand out for the finesse of their enamelling, their engraved surfaces, and their use of colour and texture over raw gem value.
Collectors worldwide still compete fiercely for these rare finds, and Antiques Roadshow’s best finds like this brooch show exactly why Fabergé remains such a revered name in antiques and fine jewellery.
Final Thoughts
This delightful brooch serves as a powerful reminder: not all treasure glitters extravagantly. Sometimes, true value lies in artistry, heritage, and emotional resonance. For anyone interested in antique jewellery, Fabergé represents the very best of a lost world—an empire of beauty, sentiment, and storytelling.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or a curious browser, always take a closer look—you never know what history might be hiding in a forgotten box.
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