Peter Carl Faberge's 166th birthday: Google pays tribute with a colourful doodle

NEW DELHI: Google today pays tribute to Peter Carl Faberge, the Russian jeweller, on his 166th birthday by dedicating a colourful doodle on its homepage.

Google has decorated its doodle with a set of six gold and precious metals, which are known as 'Faberge Eggs'or 'Faberge Easter Eggs'.

Faberge (May 30, 1846 - September 24, 1920) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to a Baltic German jeweller. He was known for his unique creation of Easter eggs by using glittering gemstones and precious metals.

Little is known about his educational background. But reports say that Peter Carl might have undertaken a course at the Dresden Arts and Crafts School. To achieve more perfection in his passion Peter Carl took lessons from creative and much revered goldsmiths of his time in France, Germany and England. He even attended a course at Schloss's Commercial College in Paris, and spent much time in museums and galleries of Europe.

Besides his education, he was also guided by his father's workmaster Hiskias Pendin for several years who also acted as his mentor. He was married to Augusta Julia Jacobs.

In 1882, Hiskias Pendin passed away and the entire responsibility for running the business was up on Peter Carl Faberge.

Because of his exceptional work, he was awarded the title Master Goldsmith which empowered him to use his own hallmark in his work. Carl was assisted by his brother who was a creative designer.

In 1885, for his superb craftsmanship Tsar Alexander III awarded the House of Faberge the title 'Goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown'.

Of his many works, one of his pieces was a replica of a 4th century BC gold bangle from the Scythian Treasure in the Hermitage which Tsar found it hard to distinguish from the original. His works were examples of exceptional contemporary Russian craftsmanship.

The well known jeweller died on September 24, 1920.