The Missing Fabergé Eggs: Where Are They Now?

A Treasure Lost to Time…

In the dazzling world of art and royal craftsmanship, few objects hold the mystique, opulence, and historical weight of the Fabergé eggs. These bejeweled wonders, painstakingly created for the Russian Imperial family during the twilight years of the Romanov dynasty, are more than just ornaments—they are legendary artifacts symbolizing a lost era of grandeur, revolution, and unsolved mysteries. Despite their unmistakable value, some of these exquisite treasures have vanished without a trace. Their disappearance has left behind a tantalizing question that has captivated historians, treasure hunters, and collectors alike: Where are the missing Fabergé eggs now?

The Imperial Marvel: Origins of the Fabergé Eggs

The story of the Fabergé eggs begins in 1885, when Tsar Alexander III commissioned an extraordinary Easter gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. Created by the master jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the first Imperial egg—known as the Hen Egg—was a luxurious surprise: a white enamel shell that opened to reveal a golden yolk, which in turn contained a golden hen, and within it, a tiny replica of the Imperial crown and a ruby pendant. The Empress was so delighted that the Tsar decreed it would become a yearly tradition.

Fabergé was officially appointed as the Imperial Court Jeweler, and for the next three decades, he and his team would go on to create a total of 50 Imperial eggs, each more intricate, imaginative, and lavish than the last. These weren’t mere trinkets but symbols of familial affection, political power, and creative excellence. Some were adorned with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. Others concealed surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical swans, or tiny working trains.

Each egg had a unique story and design theme, often tied to important historical events or personal moments for the Romanovs. The Alexander Palace Egg, for instance, contained a detailed model of the Romanovs' beloved residence, while the Trans-Siberian Railway Egg celebrated the completion of the railway that connected Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok.

But as history has shown time and again, even the most exquisite creations can fall victim to chaos.

Revolution and Ruin: The Fall of the Romanovs

The Russian Revolution of 1917 turned the empire on its head. The once-mighty Romanov dynasty collapsed in a sea of political unrest and bloodshed. Tsar Nicholas II, along with his entire family, was executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. The Imperial palaces were ransacked, and many of the Romanovs’ treasures were looted, sold, or simply lost in the ensuing turmoil.

The Fabergé eggs, once nestled in gilded display cases, were now seen as symbols of an overthrown monarchy. While some were carefully inventoried by the Bolsheviks, many disappeared—either sold to Western buyers desperate for a piece of the fallen empire or hidden away by those hoping to protect them.

By the early 20th century, these glittering emblems of Russia's past were scattered across Europe and the Americas. Some ended up in private collections, others in museums. But not all were accounted for. Of the original 50 Imperial eggs, only 43 have been definitively located. That leaves seven unaccounted for—seven treasures whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The Vanishing Act: How the Fabergé Eggs Disappeared

The confusion following the Russian Revolution created the perfect conditions for priceless artifacts to disappear. The Bolshevik government, in dire need of funds, sold off much of the royal family's belongings through a state-run agency known as Antikvariat. Between the 1920s and 1930s, many Fabergé eggs were quietly sold to Western dealers and collectors at bargain prices.

In the United States, Armand Hammer, an American businessman with strong ties to the Soviet Union, acquired several eggs and sold them to wealthy American industrialists. Others made their way to Europe through various channels. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper documentation during these sales, tracking the exact fate of each egg became increasingly difficult.

Moreover, during the chaos of World War II, even more of the Romanov treasures vanished. Artifacts were moved for safekeeping, stolen by invading armies, or destroyed in bombings. Some eggs may have been hidden in secret vaults, sold on the black market, or simply lost to time in private collections that never resurfaced.

Rediscoveries: The Eggs That Came Back

Despite the odds, a few of the missing Fabergé eggs have been miraculously rediscovered in recent decades, rekindling hope that the remaining missing ones might still be out there.

One of the most extraordinary stories is that of the Third Imperial Egg, believed lost for decades. This egg, featuring a Vacheron Constantin watch inside, was created in 1887 and vanished after the revolution. It resurfaced in 2012 when a scrap metal dealer in the U.S. bought it for its gold content, unaware of its true value. Sitting unnoticed in his kitchen for years, it was only when he Googled the maker of the watch that he stumbled upon news articles and realized he possessed a Fabergé egg. He later sold it for an undisclosed sum, reportedly around $33 million.

Another was the Renaissance Egg, which was once thought to be lost but was later identified in the collection of the royal family of Liechtenstein.

These surprising discoveries suggest that other missing eggs may not be lost forever—they may just be hidden in plain sight, sitting in private collections or dusty attics, waiting for their stories to be uncovered.

The Missing Seven: What We Know

The following seven Imperial eggs are still missing, and each carries with it a cloud of mystery:

1. Hen with Sapphire Pendant (1886) – The second Imperial egg, which supposedly contained a sapphire pendant. No known photographs or descriptions survive, making it one of the hardest to trace.

2. Cherub with Chariot (1888) – Thought to have been sold by the Soviets in the 1920s. Only a single photograph of this egg exists.

3. Nécessaire Egg (1889) – Described in inventories as an "egg-shaped nécessaire" or vanity case. Its design remains a mystery.

4. Mauve Egg with Three Miniatures (1897) – Known only from a few written descriptions. Its surprise contents are thought to be tiny portraits.

5. Royal Danish Egg (1903) – Created to honor the Empress’s Danish heritage. It was last recorded in the early 20th century but has since vanished.

6. Alexander III Commemorative Egg (1909) – Believed to have been sold by Antikvariat, it commemorated the late Tsar Alexander III. No photo is known to exist.

7. Lost Caucasus Egg (1910s) – Little is known about this egg except for vague references in Fabergé’s records.

Some historians speculate that these eggs may no longer exist—destroyed during the wars or dismantled for their jewels. But others remain hopeful, pointing to the successful recovery of previously lost eggs as proof that more surprises could await.

The Black Market and Secret Vaults: Theories and Speculations

The disappearance of these treasures has spurred countless theories. Among the most popular is the notion that some missing Fabergé eggs were sold to ultra-wealthy individuals who have kept them hidden from public view. In the secretive world of high-end art collecting, it is not uncommon for prized artifacts to change hands quietly through private sales or auctions.

The black market for stolen art is vast, and Fabergé eggs, with their historical significance and gem-studded beauty, are considered crown jewels of illicit trade. It's entirely plausible that some eggs are locked away in vaults or displayed discreetly in private mansions, their owners unaware—or fully aware—of their significance.

There’s also the possibility of misidentification. Some eggs may be in museum or private collections but listed under generic descriptions like “Russian decorative egg” or “early 20th-century jewelry box.” Without proper authentication, their true identities remain obscured.

And then there are the conspiracy theories: tales of eggs smuggled out during the Cold War, hidden in the vaults of the KGB, or even buried somewhere in the Ural Mountains. Though far-fetched, these stories persist, adding another layer of intrigue to an already captivating mystery.

The Hunt Continues: Fabergé Fever in the Modern World

Today, the hunt for the missing Fabergé eggs is more vibrant than ever. Museums, auction houses, and collectors have intensified efforts to trace their paths. Fabergé researchers pore through old inventories, auction records, personal letters, and photographs in hopes of finding clues. Technology has also played a role—modern image recognition software and databases help compare historical photos with newly surfaced pieces.

The rising market value of Fabergé eggs also fuels the search. The rarity of these artifacts makes them some of the most expensive collectibles in the world. For example, the Rothschild Egg, once part of a private collection, sold at auction for over $18 million in 2007.

Moreover, public fascination with royal history, mystery, and treasure hunting has given the missing eggs a near-mythical status. Documentaries, books, and exhibitions keep their story alive, encouraging a new generation to join the hunt.

Legacy of the Fabergé Eggs: Art, Power, and Mystery

Beyond their monetary value, the Fabergé eggs are a testament to human craftsmanship and the fragility of history. Each egg reflects a fusion of artistic ingenuity, emotional expression, and the socio-political landscape of its time. They are, in many ways, relics of a lost empire—silent witnesses to the fall of one of history’s most opulent dynasties.

Their allure lies not only in their physical beauty but in the stories they tell—or refuse to tell. Every missing egg is a puzzle piece in a grand historical saga. Were they destroyed in war? Secretly kept by loyalists? Traded in anonymous deals? The silence surrounding their disappearance is part of what makes them so tantalizing.

Could They Still Be Out There?

Given the surprises of recent rediscoveries, it’s entirely possible that the missing Fabergé eggs are still out there. Somewhere, in an attic, a safe, or behind glass in a forgotten estate sale, they may sit—silent, gleaming, and waiting to be identified.

Their reappearance would not only be an event of major historical importance but also a poetic revival of a bygone world. In an age where much of history is digital and fleeting, the recovery of a Fabergé egg serves as a reminder of the enduring power of physical beauty and the timeless allure of mystery.

So the question remains: 

"Where are the missing Fabergé eggs now? The answer may still lie hidden—in plain sight, or perhaps just around the next corner."