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WHAT’S SELLING ON eBay
WHAT’S SELLING ON eBay

$1,931 (54 bids, 31 bidders): Authentic Faberge Russian Sterling $798.88 (34 bids, 15 bidders): Antique Austria Large Micro-Beaded
Silver 24K Gold Vermeil Egg & Gemstone Brooch. This auction is for Jeweled Woman’s Evening Purse Ada Grunfeld . A lovely Antique
an authentic, House of Faberge Russian sterling and enamel egg, which Austrian Glass Micro Beaded Jeweled Enameled Frame Large Woman’s
measures 5 1/2” tall including the 24K gold vermeil over a sterling stand. Evening Purse by Ada Grunfeld, Outdoor Scene Young Woman &
This vintage Faberge Egg is signed inside the egg and on the base. When Flowers. Excellent Condition very slight surface wear missing 1 band of
you open the egg it reveals purple velvet with gold vermeil over a sterling hanging fringe beads at 1 corner, missing some of the tiny jewels at the
potted plant which holds its original sterling, emerald, amethyst, and frame, some surface wear that is hard to notice, and some surface tarnish
diamond broach. Measuring only 3/4” tall by 1 1/4” long, this brooch is to open and close the clasp. You can reference the pictures we guarantee
in excellent original condition. The egg is decorated with purple enamel 100% you will be more than happy with the excellent condition, and very
with 24K gold vermeil sterling drapes and lattice and is also accented with clean. Measuring 20 1/2” total length with chain, the purse is 11 3/4” long
amethyst, emeralds, and diamond flowers. This vintage Faberge egg is in x 8” wide weighing 11.3 oz marked on the inside fabric with original tag:
excellent original condition with no restorations. To make sure some Ada Grunfeld Vienna Made In Austria. Wonderful larger size with great
eBayer wins this House of Faberge sterling egg it has been listed without colors throughout, matching scenes on both sides with lovely details, light
any reserve. (photos courtesy wwolst12). fabric on the inside liner, great small glass jeweled pieces set in the gilded
metal frame on the front side with raised enamel flowers 2 amethyst glass
jewels on the chain, top clip having 2 small lapis blue stones. A young
woman flowing dress among flowers outdoors with a pedestal and flowers.

AP: Ada(h) Grünfeld (1895-1941) was a gifted handbag designer and
maker born in Vienna in 1895. Her life was cut short—she only lived to
be 46 years old—when she died at Litzmannstadt-Getto, Łódź, Poland
during the Holocaust; her occupation listed as “Modistin” or “Milliner.”
Grünfeld was a member of the Austrian resistance who was deported out
of Austria in October of 1941 and is listed in the Holocaust Survivors and
Victims Database at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in
Washington, D.C.
Her micro-beaded purses are sought-after collectible beaded purses and
can command prices between $1,000 and $2,000 depending upon the
condition, subject, and provenance. It is important to verify the prove-
nance of each piece as well as verify the design and maker of the bag in
order to assess the value before you buy. This example shows the beautiful
colors of a young woman in the garden. As described and shown, this
would most likely bring about $900. If restored, it could bring $1,500-
$1,800. (photos courtesy collectiblesnbooksnstuff).

AP: When sizing up a Faberge egg, one must consider not only the name
but the elements of the egg. In this instance, the 5 1/2” egg is created of
sterling silver with a 24K gold vermeil. Vermeil is a higher quality admin-
istration of gold over silver that has a longer lifespan than gold plating.
There are regulations surrounding gold vermeil, including the fact it must
only be applied to sterling silver and must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
Gold plating, on the other hand, can be applied to cheaper metals such as
brass or stainless steel. Also, this egg is 5” tall with a stand, making it a very
large example. Most Faberge eggs range from 3” to 5” tall. The largest
example is called the Moscow Kremlin egg, which is 14 1/2” tall. It is made
from onyx, gold, enamel, and glass.
The sold example here has sterling, gold vermeil, and a selection of
precious and semi-precious stones in original condition. While record
prices are noted far and wide, Faberge eggs of this size and of this level
can sell for anywhere from $350 to around $3,500, depending upon the
number of features, the age, and the maker of the egg. At a Morphy
Auction in September of 2016, an identical (if not the same) Faberge egg
was auctioned off for $2,400. Today, this example would probably cost
from $2,200-$2,800, making this a good deal for the buyer.

8 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles