Bearing the stamp of Michael Perchin, supervising Fabergé goldsmith prior to 1903, a formerly unknown Fabergé egg (discovered in Louisiana) has been sold at auction for an undisclosed sum.
Experts attest that although the small (4
1
/
2
” high) masterpiece does not appear to be one of the eight eggs known to be missing from the Russian Czarist collection, this is indeed a Fabergé. Part of the egg’s value, the experts say, results from its mystery.
18K gold beneath a shell of the master’s unique oyster enamel (changes color in different lights), the piece is trellised with gold. At each trellis intersection are flowers of pearls with sapphire centers. The egg rests on three sapphire-encrusted
cabriolet legs with rose diamond feet. A large rose diamond crowns the egg.
As with all formerly known Fabergé eggs, this one contains a “surprise,” in this case a two-inch jade bowl containing a perfect miniature pineapple cast in gold with jade leaves.
Also by
Stella Cameron
A USEFUL AFFAIR
NOW YOU SEE HIM
TESTING MISS TOOGOOD
A GRAVE MISTAKE
A MARKED MAN
BODY OF EVIDENCE
CYPRESS NIGHTS
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the prior consent of the publisher in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
MIRA is a registered trademark of Harlequin Enterprises Limited, used under licence.
Published in Great Britain 2009.
MIRA Books, Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road,
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1SR
© Stella Cameron 2003
ISBN 978-1-4089-1445-8