Better than Fabergé

Easter is the most joyful celebration of the Orthodox faith in Russia... After the devout church services, families gather to exchange gifts of decorated eggs, symbols of renewed life and hope. The Easter of 1885 also marks the twentieth anniversary of Czar Alexander III and Czarina Maria Fedorovna, and the Czar needs an exceptional gift for his wife.

So he places an order with a young jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé, whose beautiful creations have recently caught Maria's eye.

On Easter morning, Fabergé delivers to the palace what appears to be a simple enameled egg. But to the delight of the Empress, inside is a golden yolk; within the yolk is a golden hen; and concealed within the hen is a diamond miniature of the royal crown and a tiny ruby egg - both now lost to history.

Thus began a romantic tradition which lasted from 1885-1917. The Easter Egg for 1887 recently went on sale with an estimate of $24 million.

But this egg - simply crafted - was a gift from Marty. Marty was a good friend and neighbour in Thomaston, Maine, in the late 1970's. She made this especially - and established a precious memory of a lovely lady, in a lovely community. The warmth and friendship of Thomaston people has been an enduring gift - and who could put a price on that?