Circa 1900 Antique Russian Purpurin Egg Pendant on 14k Gold

Circa 1900 Antique Russian Purpurin Egg Pendant on 14k Gold

In the 1890s, affluent Russian families began giving girls an egg pendant each year before Easter. She’d wear them on a chain from Easter to Ascension Day, and over time the growing necklace sentimentally marked the years until her marriage. As an example of one of these necklaces, I've included a photograph of necklace made entirely of Fabergé eggs (source Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum).

This purpurin egg pendant was likely part of that tradition. 

Purpurin is a unique rich red opaque glass that was used in the Fabergé workshops during the time of Peter Carl Fabergé. It was formed in blocks and was shaped using lapidary and gem carving methods.

Earlier versions of this special material are noted from India (circa 3rd millennium BCE) and Sri Lanka (circa 1st millennium BCE). In the mid 1800s a version of the material was utilized by Italian glass masters and presented at the 1867 Paris Exposition. Fabergé studied the material and finalized their formulation which was used in their workshops.

This piece is not by Fabergé, however it was made in the same time and place. Appraiser believes this piece to be purpurin.

Egg diameter measures 10.6mm and overall length with ring is 22.5mm. Gold setting is 14k gold with stamps for maker, gold purity and location. Overall weight is 3.5 grams and the piece is in excellent antique condition.

A beautiful piece and a great conversation starter!

Details

• Russian antique
• Dated 1898-1908
• 14k gold and purpurin glass
• 3.5 grams
• 10.6mm diameter x 21.5mm overall drop
• Stamps for maker, gold purity and location
• Excellent antique condition with normal age related wear

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Please reach out with any questions jill@p-penelope.com