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Frequently Asked Questions

Mardi Gras Faces Egg Purse
  1. Why jeweled eggs?
  2. How did the idea for the egg purse come about?
  3. What materials are used to create Vivian Alexander™ egg purses?
  4. What makes Vivian Alexander™ jeweled egg ornaments and accessories so exclusive?
  5. What kind of eggs are used?
  6. How fragile is the egg purse?
  7. Is each Vivian Alexander™ work of art an original?
  8. What does the inside of the minaudière (egg purse) look like?
  9. Are Vivian Alexander™ collectibles authentic Fabergé?
  10. What does guilloché mean?
  11. What is the price range of your merchandise?
  12. Where is your merchandise being sold?

  1. Why jeweled eggs?

    Vivian Alexander™ eggs were originally created as "egg purses" or minaudières. [A minaudière (men-o'-dee-air) is a hard-sided jeweled evening bag.] However, Vivian Alexander™ jeweled eggs are purchased also as objets d'art and decorative accessories displayed in the home or office without the included strap. They are also collected as heirloom treasures and investment piecestop

  2. How did the idea for the egg purse come about?

    Since 1986, Vivian Tullos and Alexander Caldwell had been decorating eggs as a hobby. In 1991 while attending a Mardi Gras ball with Vivian, Alexander noticed the purses being carried by the women were more like ugly stepsisters than tasteful accessories to their beautiful ball gowns. Because of his egg hobby, Alex recognized the potential for something extraordinary, visualizing a Russian jeweled egg as an elegant alternative. On a bar napkin he drew a picture of the first Vivian Alexander™ "egg purse" and went on to create one that wintry weekend in Louisiana.
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  3. What materials are used to create Vivian Alexander™ egg purses?

    Our hallmark Vivian Alexander™ egg purses are approximately 7" high and 4" wide. They are fashioned using real eggshells that are enameled and decorated with Austrian crystals, cabochon gemstones and 18 karat gold plated embellishments.

    Our latest line of designer hand bags is made using fine (.999) silver, a precious metal we chose to satisfy our most discriminating clients, clients who desire an heirloom quality egg purse for their wedding or other themed special occasion. Made with the most expensive and precious materials available, these egg purses are true couture.

    We’ve also introduced a line of pure (.999) silver ornament collectibles — the only ornaments of their kind available online today. Other “silver” ornament collectibles are either sterling silver or silver plate—both of which are lesser value than fine (.999) silver.
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  4. What makes Vivian Alexander™ jeweled egg ornaments and accessories so exclusive?

    • Every piece is hand crafted in our Louisiana studio under the watchful eye of skilled Fabergé artisans as well as Alex Caldwell himself.
    • Each collectible ornament and egg purse is produced from the finest materials available.
    • We employ authentic Fabergé artistry, as evidenced by our painstaking application of guillochè embellishments to many of our pieces.
    • Every limited edition piece is hand signed by the creating artisan.
    • We have dedicated over 15 years to our art form.
    • Our standards are exacting, due in part to a 7-year alliance with Forbes Museum.
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  5. What kind of eggs are used?

    For our original Classic Collection as well as our Night and Day line of egg purses, we use infertile Rhea eggs. The Rhea ostrich is indigenous to South America. Rhea shells come to us from bird ranches in the mid west. The ranches clean out and sterilize the shells before shipping them to us.
    For our Whimsical Gift line, we use goose egg shells. top

  6. How fragile is the egg purse?

    The enameled eggshell is quite sturdy but should be treated as a fine piece of jewelry. All purses come with a 3 year unconditional guarantee that is activated when you register your Vivian Alexander™ work of art. See Store Policies for details.
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  7. Is each Vivian Alexander™ work of art an original?

    Every minaudière and objet d’art is hand made in our Louisiana studio. Limited editions of each design are available, including those created exclusively for our Holiday Ornament Series. Limited edition eggs and accessories are numbered, signed and registered. Once the limit has been sold, that design is retired.
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  8. What does the inside of the minaudière (egg purse) look like?

    The inside is wool felt, padded and lined with sand-washed silk. Each purse in our Classic Collection also comes with an attachable shoulder strap and silk coin purse. A mini brochure includes the registration form and additional information.
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  9. Are Vivian Alexander™ collectibles authentic Fabergé?

    Vivian Alexander™ original creations are inspired by the works of Russian jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé but have their own distinct, recognizable look and feel. Vivian Alexander™ designs are copyrighted, patented and exclusive to Vivian Alexander™. Many of the design originals were inspired by the pieces in the Forbes Museum in New York Cityand are endorsed by this organization.
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  10. What does guilloché mean?

    Guilloché embellished pieces are not made with real eggs but with silver or pewter. Guilloché patterns are hand-engraved on a 150-year-old machine identical to the one used by Peter Carl Fabergé. Or, the patterns are painstakingly applied by hand to our master molds. The lines and striations that result from this engraving are called "guilloché," a technique made famous by Fabergé during the Romanov period. Enamel is applied by hand over the engraving to create a depth and color that enhances the engravings.
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  11. What is the price range of your merchandise?

    Our egg purses retail between $395 USD and $7,000 USD. The guilloché pieces retail between $65 USD and $465 USD. Vivian Alexander™ objets d’art range from $4,500 USD to $30,000 USD.
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  12. Where is your merchandise being sold?

    Our work is sold to customers directly by phone, email and fax. You may also purchase our unique gifts and collectibles online 24 hours a day using our secure shopping cart.

    Vivian Alexander™ can be found in fine shops on 5 continents: Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and South America. Look for the Vivian Alexander™ trademark in jewelry stores, gift shops, antique galleries, interior design houses and fashion accessory boutiques.
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Imperial Napoleonic Egg Replica
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V A Vivian Alexander

Oriental nephrite green enamel with garnet stones. One of our most handsome pieces.
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