Russian Orthodox families historically exchanged beautifully decorated eggs on Easter. In 1885, Russian Czar Alexander III ordered an egg from jeweler Peter Carl Faberge and gave it to his wife Maria. His wife enjoyed the gift so much that the Czar ordered another one every year after.
The first Faberge egg received by Maria was a simple enamel egg on the outside, but opened to reveal a hen concealed within a golden yolk. Within the hen was a miniature version of the royal crown, made from diamonds, and a ruby egg.
The Faberge eggs were exhibited at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. Faberge was commissioned for so many eggs that his goldsmith shop then became "House of Faberge."
Faberge used precious metals, semiprecious stones and enamel coatings to create the intricate and innovative eggs. Each egg was handmade by Faberge and his master craftsmen.
In 1937, an American businessman familiar with the work of Faberge registered the name Faberge Inc. Eugene and Alexander Faberge attempted suing for the rights to the name but they were unsuccessful. Later, the name Faberge was sold to Unilever who retained rights to the name until 2007. In 2007, Tatiana Faberge (great-granddaughter of Carl Faberge) became a specialist on Faberge style and history with Faberge Ltd. Today, many members of the Faberge family are involved in Faberge Ltd.