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Decorating and painting eggs have been a tradition associated with the Easter holiday for hundreds of years. Different types of decorated and edible eggs are also given as gifts during this time of the year.

But did you know that the most famous decorated Easter eggs were created in Russia over 100 years ago? These elaborate and beautiful eggs were made by Peter Carl Fabergé who was a well-known goldsmith in Russia in the late 1800s.

In 1885, Carl Fabergé suggested to Alexander the Third (who was the Russian Czar during this time) that he make a beautiful egg with some surprise hidden inside and present it as an Easter gift for Marie, the Czar’s wife. The Czar was very excited about this idea and commissioned Fabergé to make such a gift.

Fabergé insisted that he keep the secret of what was going to be inside the egg a secret to everyone, including the Czar. In 1885, Faberge presented the first of these eggs to the Empress Marie. She immediately loved and treasured this fabulous gift. This egg had a shell of platinum and enameled white and opened to reveal a smaller egg made of gold. This smaller gold egg opened to reveal a gold chicken and a replica of the Imperial Crown made with fine jewels. Alexander was so pleased with this beautiful gift that he commissioned Fabergé to make one egg every Easter for his wife. The only requirement was that each egg had to contain some special surprise hidden inside.

Fabergé used many precious materials to make his incredible and intricate eggs. He used gold, silver, copper, nickel, and palladium combined in different proportions to produce different colors. He also decorated these eggs with precious stones including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Most of the designs of these eggs were inspired by historical art works and Fabergé’s travels around Russia.

Fabergé continued to make these eggs for Alexander every year. This tradition continued when Alexander’s son, Nicholas the Second also requested that these eggs be made for his wife and mother every Easter. Fifty-four of these eggs were made in total. Today, we can still see forty-five of these original eggs. Have some fun this Easter-Try to decorate your own eggs in your own creative style!