Peter Carl Faberge

Happy Birthday Peter Carl Faberge!! (or Carl Gustavovich Faberge in Russian) The Russian jeweler was born in 1846. His family was of French origin but had fled to Russia. His father was a jeweler before him and Carl studied to follow in his footsteps. He had one brother Agathon. He traveled Europe, visiting museums and studying goldsmithing and returned to St. Petersburg where he met his wife. He studied under his father’s chief jeweler and took over his position upon his death. Carl took over the company in 1882. His brother joined him and together they turned to “art jewelry” rather than commonplace jewelry traditional to 18th century France. The House of Faberge became quite successful, garnered the attention of the Russian Imperial Court and in 1885 was commissioned to create the first of the many well-known Faberge Eggs, for the Tsar's wife. The eggs became extremely elaborate, enameled art pieces, decked out with gold and gems.