AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’s
Around 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
A selection of carved Fabergé animals from Castle Howard will appear in Sotheby’s “Fabergé, Gold Boxes, & Vertu” auction in Geneva on May 6, with part of the proceeds going to benefit the restoration of the estate’s tapestry drawing room, which was damaged in a 1940 fire.
London—On May 6, Sotheby’s will auction off a collection of Fabergé animals from Castle Howard, the 300-year-old home to the Howard family, a British dynasty whose members have been collectors of art and furnishing for generations.
The estate, a country house in the hills of North Yorkshire, features antiquities, paintings, furniture, and works of art, including one of the last important groups of Fabergé animals in private hands, Sotheby’s said.
The animals were crafted with Fabergé’s whimsical charm, influenced by the miniaturist carving traditions of Japan, China, and Europe—such as Japanese netsukes, of which Carl Fabergé had his own collection—and generally small enough to fit in one’s hand.
Until now, they were stored in a leather case in the private reaches of the estate, brought out only once or twice a year to adorn the dining table for a large dinner party.
The collection also has parallels to the “Sandringham” collection of Fabergé animals commissioned for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1907 and now held in the Royal Collection, according to the auction house.
“In just over 30 exquisite works, the Fabergé animals from Castle Howard parallel both those owned by the British Royal Family and members of the Russian Imperial Court,” said Helen Culver Smith, Sotheby’s global head of Fabergé and Russian works of art.
“With the latter disassembled by [the Russian] Revolution and the former still held in the Royal Collection, the sale of these hidden treasures marks an exceptional opportunity for collectors worldwide to acquire pieces that fully demonstrate why Fabergé earned a prime position in royal and noble collections throughout Europe.”
Fabergé’s production of hardstone animals included pigs, dogs, frogs, ducks, and elephants in a range of poses and colors.
The pieces on offer at Sotheby’s Geneva in May range in scale from a tiny vole carved of smoky quartz to a large obsidian rhinoceros.
An elephant carved in rock crystal is estimated to fetch £20,000 to £30,000 (approximately $25,180 to $37,770).
The estate, a country house in the hills of North Yorkshire, features antiquities, paintings, furniture, and works of art, including one of the last important groups of Fabergé animals in private hands, Sotheby’s said.
The animals were crafted with Fabergé’s whimsical charm, influenced by the miniaturist carving traditions of Japan, China, and Europe—such as Japanese netsukes, of which Carl Fabergé had his own collection—and generally small enough to fit in one’s hand.
Until now, they were stored in a leather case in the private reaches of the estate, brought out only once or twice a year to adorn the dining table for a large dinner party.
The collection also has parallels to the “Sandringham” collection of Fabergé animals commissioned for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1907 and now held in the Royal Collection, according to the auction house.
“In just over 30 exquisite works, the Fabergé animals from Castle Howard parallel both those owned by the British Royal Family and members of the Russian Imperial Court,” said Helen Culver Smith, Sotheby’s global head of Fabergé and Russian works of art.
“With the latter disassembled by [the Russian] Revolution and the former still held in the Royal Collection, the sale of these hidden treasures marks an exceptional opportunity for collectors worldwide to acquire pieces that fully demonstrate why Fabergé earned a prime position in royal and noble collections throughout Europe.”
Fabergé’s production of hardstone animals included pigs, dogs, frogs, ducks, and elephants in a range of poses and colors.
The pieces on offer at Sotheby’s Geneva in May range in scale from a tiny vole carved of smoky quartz to a large obsidian rhinoceros.
An elephant carved in rock crystal is estimated to fetch £20,000 to £30,000 (approximately $25,180 to $37,770).
This rock crystal elephant is one of the largest animals in the Howard collection.
A rare Fabergé jeweled bloodstone model of an anteater, made in St. Petersburg, Russia, between 1887 and 1900
More exotic animals appeared less frequently.
An anteater carved in bloodstone ranks among the rarest, said the auction house, with only a few known examples of the animal in existence.
It is estimated to sell for £45,000 to £65,000 (approximately $56,650 to $81,830).
British jeweler Kenneth Snowman has described Fabergé’s animals as “essays in stone,” as the brand took great care in sourcing material with the right colors and markings for each creature.
A rhinoceros that is part of the auction is made in white obsidian, an iridescent variation of the typically dark volcanic mineral, with natural effects that mimic the wrinkles in the animal’s skin.
This obsidian rhinoceros, St. Petersburg, circa 1900, was potentially inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s inaccurate print, “A Rhinoceros,” of which there has been a woodcut print in the Royal Collection since circa 1810, according to the auction house.
The auction house said it is an “exceptionally rare” example of a large Fabergé carved animal figure.
It is estimated to sell for £50,000 to £70,000 (approximately $62,950 to $88,130).
Fabergé also utilized a range of agates, often found in the Ural Mountains of Russia with red, brown, or gray hues, that suggested natural variations in fur, feathers, or hide.
A Fabergé jeweled agate model of a Siberian ibex (right), St. Petersburg, circa 1900-1914
A Siberian ibex on offer is formed of one piece of single stone, the negative space between the horns and the body a testament to Fabergé’s understanding for carving in three dimensions, according to Sotheby’s.
It’s estimated to fetch £45,000 to £65,000 (approximately $56,650 to $81,830).
The Howard collection also features a selection of birds, including a gold-mounted owl figure, an owl study in nephrite, and a rare agate model of a hoopoe with gold feet.
A gold-mounted owl-figure (est. £40,000 to £60,000, or approximately $50,360 to $75,540)
A jeweled agate model of a hare with diamond eyes (est. £40,000 to £60,000, or approximately $50,360 to $75,540)
A miniature smoky quartz model of a vole (right) and a topaz model of a rat (left), both estimated to sell for £20,000 to £30,000, or approximately $25,180 to $37,770
Charming woodland creatures are also on offer, featuring a hare carved from aventurine quartz, a topaz model of a rat, and a small smoky quartz vole.
The Howard collection, which also includes Fabergé and European desk accessories, will be offered as part of Sotheby’s “Fabergé, Gold Boxes, & Vertu” auction in Geneva in May.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go toward the restoration of the tapestry drawing room in Castle Howard, which sustained damage in a fire in 1940.
Castle Howard was built for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, designed by his friend, architect and dramatist John Vanbrugh, in 1699.
“I’m sad to be losing this beautiful collection, but it deserves to be seen more often than it currently is. And the proceeds of the sale will assist us in the re-creation of the tapestry drawing room, which will be seen by everyone who comes through the house,” said Nicholas Howard, who runs the estate today with his wife, Victoria.
The reopening of the space is set for April and will feature a return of the tapestries that originally hung in the room.
Prior to the “Fabergé, Gold Boxes, & Vertu” auction on May 6, highlights will be exhibited to the public at Sotheby’s Dubai from April 7 to 11, at Sotheby’s London from April 25 to 29, and at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva in May.
For more information on the collection, visit the Sotheby’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
