Surprises from the Lapis Lazuli Easter Egg in diamonds and rubies. Attributed to Peter Carl Fabergé, c. 1885–90. Crafted from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone known for its deep blue hue, this egg has a smooth and polished surface, decorated only by bands of gold encircling the two halves of the egg horizontally. The bands are set in rows of pearls, and two teardrop-shaped thumb latches are featured in the centre, one set with a diamond and the other, a ruby. The white interior is designed in the form of an egg cut in two, and a compartment resembling an egg yolk holds the surprise. This is a miniature replica of the imperial crown set with diamonds and rubies, which in turn holds a tiny ruby or pink sapphire on a chain. In 2022, these surprises... more