When it comes to stunning objets de vertu, "nobody did it better," to paraphrase Carly Simon, than the fabled House of Faberge with its master jewelers and brilliant artisans. Whether it was the Imperial Easter eggs, petite picture frames, delicate etuis, or jewelry and tiaras, the legendary Faberge jewelers were nonpareil in the world of the Romanovs. And their bejeweled and enameled treasures still command top dollar. (In 2007, a legendary Rothschild egg sold at Christie's London for £8.9 million.)

Sadly, during the First World War, the workshop was forcibly nationalized. But, through a relatively new alliance, two of Peter Carl Faberge's great-granddaughters are now involved with the Faberge Heritage Council, formed to guide the new incarnation of Faberge's eponymously named new company in its pursuit of Faberge's core values, philosophy, and spirit -- and open a boutique. (Dr. Geza von Habsburg, one of the world's leading Faberge experts, serves as Faberge's curatorial director.)

The bijoux at this new Faberge emporium is simply show-stopping; the jewels are all meticulously handcrafted in Paris, and it includes countless one-of-a-kind pieces and multiples. Among the remarkable collections are Les Fabuleuse (and they are fabulous, indeed) and Saisons Russes, evocative of Russian heritage, and Les Fameux de Faberge, magnificent, one-of-a-kind egg pendants. Also look for a superb collection of watches, Fabergé Horlogerie. Prices start at $5,000. -- Ruth J. Katz