An Imperial enamelled gold and gem-set egg pendant by Carl Fabergé

decorated with opalescent white guilloché enamel, bound with a single band of rose cut diamonds mounted in silver, from which spring alternating chased yellow and green gold oak leaves.

Workmaster: Alfred Thielmann, 2.4 cm including loop.

Presented as a gift from the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna to her sister-in-law Princess Marie of Denmark (1865-1909), wife of Prince Valdemar of Denmark (1858-1939). Thence by descent.

The oak leaf is a potent symbol of wisdom, strength, power and longevity.