The story of Fabergé eggs, these enigmatic and extravagant gifts from the Russian imperial family which today are worth millions of euros

They are works of art renowned for their elaborate metal and precious stone ornaments, whose extravagance reminds the world of the might of the tsars, and which today are worth millions of dollars.

Fabergé eggs, some 50 decorative oval-shaped pieces, were commissioned by the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1916.

It all started with a gift from Emperor Alexander III to his wife, Maria Fyodorovna, during the annual Orthodox Church Easter celebrations.

But their beauty and uniqueness led the royal family to make it a tradition. Every year, the emperor ordered a new egg for his wife. And his son, Nicholas II, continued the legacy after the Tsar's death.