Russian Imperial Bee Brooch from The Met Museum

This charming brooch in lightly antiqued, 24k gold plate is adorned with enamel and Swarovski® crystals. It celebrates Cornflowers and Buttercups (ca. 1900) by Peter Carl Fabergé (Russian, 1846-1920). Featuring a bee perched atop a golden bouquet of buttercups, the exquisite confection is crafted in gold, enamel, rose diamonds, and rubies; its vase and “water” are carved from rock crystal. A visionary artisan and jeweler, Fabergé counted the Russian imperial family among his firm’s elite clientele. Both Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and her sister, Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, were charmed by Fabergé’s flower creations. Produced in cooperation with the British Royal Collection.