Rolls-Royce and Fabergé have revealed what is only the second ‘Imperial’ Fabergé egg to be made in a century.

The anonymous owner is described as ‘a great collector of both brands’ – although neither of them will reveal how much they paid.

Just 50 pre-1917 Imperial Eggs were made made for the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers.

The ‘exceptionally precious’ creations are some of the most valuable and coveted objects ever to have been made.

The newest egg features an intricate mechanism that allows the egg to open, revealing a crystal version of  the Spirit of Ecstasy, the mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911.

The design, conceived by Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes and rendered by Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Tallgren, has been brought to life by Fabergé’s Paul Jones.

The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg, the second to be commissioned in the ‘Imperial Class’ since 1917 – a category reserved only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations

A team of seven craftspeople from Fabergé made it over the source of the two year project.

The Egg rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel base of 18 karat white gold.

Arms of rose gold define the shape of the Egg, acting as a protective chamber for the figure inside.

It is operated using a ‘discreet’ discreet lever at the base of the stand.

Sean Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer, Fabergé said, ‘A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé Egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.’

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation.

‘Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an Egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.’

The intricate design which stands at 160mm and weighs just 400g, with the Egg harnessing the ‘surprise and delight’ attributes for which Imperial Eggs are celebrated.

The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg adopts a highly complex operating mechanism, conceived through computer aided design and animation, developed with micro engineering.

Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added, ‘Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this.

The Egg will then be on public display in Fabergé’s London window this Christmastime.