A Fabergé Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl-Set Three-Color Gold and Pale Blue Translucent Guilloché Enamel Miniature Frame

Description

A Fabergé Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl-Set Three-Color Gold and Pale Blue Translucent Guilloché Enamel Miniature Frame
Fabergé, Workmaster Victor Aarne, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908, with scratched inventory number 3363
1-1/2 x 1-1/4 x 0-1/4 inches (3.8 x 3.2 x 0.6 cm)
17 grams (0.54 troy ounces)

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, US
Private Collection, California, acquired from the above.


Fabergé's work master Victor Aarne began producing miniature frames around 1899 and produced a significant body of these popular objects until 1904 when he retired and transferred his workshop to Hjalmar Armfeldt. According to Faberge researchers Anna and Vincent Palmade, there were a series of at least 56 miniture frames by Aarne in this period.

Other miniature frames by Victor Aarne with near-sequential inventory numbers from this series include: a triangular miniature frame from the collection of Princess Olga of Yugoslavia, inventory number 3325 (sold Christie's Geneva, May 17, 2006, lot 410); and a pearl and diamond-set kingfisher blue enamel model, inventory number 3329 (sold Sotheby's Geneva, Gold Boxes & Fabergé, May 2-13, 2024?, lot 1503. Even closer is a miniature green enamel and pearl frame from the collection of Alexandra Anastasia, Duchess of Abercorn, inventory number 3366 (sold Christie's London, Russian Art, June 7, 2021, lot 102, and a fan-shaped model from the imperial collections with inventory number 3370 (Sold Sotheby's London, Imperial & Royal Presents, 24 November 2008, lot 19), another miniature frame by Aarne in yellow with a later inventory number of 5973 was sold in these rooms, May 13, 2025, lot 84010.

Aarne remained close to Fabergé and helped the family emigrate to Finland after the revolution. He died in 1934.

Heritage Auctions is grateful to Anna and Vincent Palmade for their assistance in the research of this lot.


Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.