Ilya Abelsky, noted Russian jewelry designer and creator of the 800-piece collection that continues the tradition of the heralded 19th century Carl Faberge, jeweler to the Russian Imperial Family, will exhibit his hand-crafted miniatures here in a special, two-day Valentine exhibition Feb. 13-14 at Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry.

Abelsky is a rare combination of Russian entrepreneur and brilliant designer who has profited from his country’s movement to democracy and its acceptance of open-market system. The vibrant color, exquisite styling and expert craftsmanship of Abelsky’s Russian miniature eggs are recognized around the world.

The Mucklow exhibition will feature a number of Abelsky's classic Faberge-style designs and will offer special locket designs not normally a part of his offerings. Abelsky’s Valentine's Day-themed eggs and those honoring those in the U.S. Armed Forces serving in the Middle East also will be featured.

Abelsky has exhibited his creations in London, Paris, Vienna and Berlin — as well as in major cities across the United States.

The exhibit will be held at Mucklow's Fine Jewelry,1103 Crosstown Court, Mucklow’s Corner, Peachtree City from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Abelsky will be on hand to personally greet customers and give them a personal briefing on the history and cultural significance of Faberge eggs.

Although many of Abelsky’s designs are inspired by Faberge, his collection also includes reproductions of Faberge’s creations. His most popular creation is a reproduction of Faberge’s design that features the doubleheader Russian Imperial Eagle on one side and the Russian imperial cross on the other. The exhibition also will feature a series of 20 American patriotic eggs offered as a tribute to U.S. military personnel serving this country in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the globe.

The brilliant color, sophisticated styling and expert “Old World” craftsmanship of Abelsky’s Russian miniature eggs are considered unique in the jewelry industry. While original Faberge eggs are kept behind glass and untouchable in the world’s finest museums and private collections, Abelsky’s creations are affordable and touchable for all.

Abelsky explained that jeweled eggs are an important part of Russian culture and are traditionally given as gifts. Abelsky said he has created special eggs that will be available in Grants Pass. Abelsky’s miniatures are approximately 3/4 inch tall. They are made of sterling silver with 24, 18 and 14 carat gold overlay and brilliant, multicolored enamel. The secret, Abelsky says, is in the hand enameling.

Abelsky’s eggs are often mistaken for Faberge eggs — although the master did only 48 miniatures, according to Abelsky.

Abelsky designs the eggs in Atlanta and uses six expert U.S.-based Russian jewelers, that he helped emigrate to this country, to produce them. It typically takes two-to-three months for a new design to be created. Each egg is given eight painstakingly delicate coats of enamel.

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