A rare crystal and diamond Faberg egg crafted for Russias ruling family before it was toppled by revolution is going up for auction, valued at more than $26.4 million.

Christies auction house says the Winter Egg is just one of seven of the opulent ovoids remaining in private hands. It will be offered for sale at Christies London headquarters on Tuesday.

The 4-inch tall egg is made from finely carved rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolizing spring.

Margo Oganesian, the head of Christie's Russian art department, likened it to a luxurious Kinder Surprise chocolate.

The Winter Egg is a superb example of craft and design, the Mona Lisa for decorative ar

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