Wartski
The world's leading Fabergé dealer and Royal jewellers since 1865.
Wartski — Faberge Specialists and Royal Jewellers Since 1865
Wartski is a name that carries unique weight in the world of antique jewelry and Russian decorative arts. Founded in 1865 in North Wales and now based on St James's Street in London, the firm has held six consecutive Royal Warrants and crafted wedding rings for two future Kings of England. Its expertise in the work of Carl Faberge is unrivaled — Wartski was instrumental in bringing Imperial Russian treasures to the Western market during the Soviet era, and today it remains the world's leading dealer in Faberge objects.
From North Wales to London
Morris Wartski founded the business in 1865 in Bangor, North Wales. By 1907, the firm had established two shops in Llandudno, the fashionable seaside resort. The turning point came in 1911 when Emanuel Snowman, Morris Wartski's son-in-law, opened a London branch and began the firm's long association with the work of Carl Faberge.
Between 1927 and 1933, Snowman was one of the pioneering few dealers who purchased directly from the Soviet Government's Antiquariat department, which was liquidating the possessions of the Russian Imperial family and aristocracy. Among these acquisitions were numerous masterpieces by Faberge, including several of the now-legendary Imperial Easter Eggs. These purchases established Wartski's pre-eminence in the Faberge market — a position the firm has maintained for nearly a century.
Royal Warrants and Commissions
Wartski's relationship with the British Royal Family spans generations. The firm has held Royal Warrants from Queen Mary through to Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother — six consecutive warrants in total. In 2005, Wartski crafted the wedding rings for the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Camilla Parker Bowles, both fashioned from Welsh gold. In 2011, the firm made the wedding ring for Catherine Middleton's marriage to Prince William, again using Welsh gold given to the Prince by the Queen. Few jewellers in the world can claim such an intimate role in royal occasions.
| Specialty Area | Description | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Faberge | Imperial Easter Eggs, objets de fantaisie, cigarette cases | World's leading dealer |
| Antique Jewelry | Fine period pieces, precious stones | Major London specialist |
| Russian Decorative Arts | Silver, enamel, precious metalwork | Among the foremost globally |
| Royal Commissions | Bespoke jewelry for the British Royal Family | Holds Royal Warrant |
How Wartski Works
Wartski operates from its premises at 60 St James's Street in London. The firm both buys and sells, acquiring pieces from private collections, estates, and at auction, and selling to collectors, institutions, and museums worldwide. Given the caliber of the objects involved — Faberge Imperial Eggs can sell for millions — transactions tend to be discreet and highly personalized. The firm also mounts scholarly exhibitions and publishes on the subjects in which it deals.
Who Should Approach Wartski
Wartski serves collectors of the highest caliber: those acquiring Faberge, fine antique jewelry, and Russian decorative arts at the top of the market. Museums and institutional buyers seeking Faberge pieces regularly work with the firm. The gallery is also relevant for anyone seeking bespoke fine jewelry from a house with deep historical credentials, though commissions are selective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wartski's Faberge expertise dates to the 1920s and 1930s, when Emanuel Snowman purchased Imperial treasures — including several Easter Eggs — directly from the Soviet Antiquariat. This early access and nearly a century of continuous dealing in Faberge objects has given the firm unmatched expertise and provenance records.
Wartski has held six consecutive Royal Warrants, serving as jewellers to the British Royal Family from Queen Mary onward. The firm crafted the wedding rings for both Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles (2005) and Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011).
Wartski is located at 60 St James's Street, London SW1. The firm has been based in London's St James's area, which is the historic center of the city's fine art and antiques trade.
Yes. Wartski regularly acquires Faberge objects, fine antique jewelry, and Russian decorative arts from private collections and estates. Given the specialized nature of the market, contacting the firm directly with photographs and any provenance documentation is the recommended first step.
While antiques are the firm's primary focus, Wartski also undertakes bespoke jewelry commissions — most notably the royal wedding rings. However, the firm's commission work is selective and builds on its historical expertise rather than functioning as a general jeweler.
Have a fine jewelry & gems item to sell?
Get a free AI valuation or let us connect you with the right auction house or dealer.