A chapter closes as Fabergé , the legendary maison renowned for its extravagant Imperial Russian Easter eggs and fine jewelry, was sold by its parent company, Gemfields, to technology investor Sergei Mosunov’s SMG Capital for $50 million .
This deal marks the end of an illustrious era for Gemfields , which acquired Fabergé in 2013 , and signals new ambitions for one of the industry’s most iconic brands. A Storied Heritage: From Imperial Eggs to Luxury Collectibles Founded in St. Petersburg in 1842 , the House of
Fabergé reached the height of its fame under Peter Carl Fabergé , who became goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court in 1882 . The brand’s legendary Easter eggs, commissioned by Tsar Alexander III and Nicholas II , became symbols of creative freedom.
Fifty Imperial Eggs were crafted for the royals from 1885 to 1916, a tradition interrupted by the Russian Revolution , dispersing the treasure trove worldwide. Fabergé’s legacy now reaches far beyond its eggs, encompassing high jewelry, watches, and objets d’art coveted by collectors and connoisseurs.
The eggs themselves have fetched staggering prices—one collection was valued at £52 million at auction in 2004. Viktor Vekselberg owns the largest private collection, including the $24 million “Coronation Egg”.
The Details of the Deal Gemfields, a mining group specializing in emeralds and rubies from Zambia and Mozambique , has agreed to transfer full ownership of Fabergé to SMG Capital , an investment firm led by Mosunov, who described the purchase as “a great honor.” The transaction involves a $45 million initial payment upon closing, with an extra $5 million to be paid via quarterly royalty payments at 8% of Fabergé’s revenue…
