Faberge Winter Egg Auction News Highlights

 What the Winter Egg Is

• It’s a 1913 Imperial Fabergé Egg, commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. 
• Made from rock crystal with platinum and rose cut diamond snowflake motifs, it opens to reveal a platinum basket of carved quartz flowers symbolizing the arrival of spring. 
• Designed by Alma Pihl, one of the few female designers at Fabergé’s St. Petersburg workshop. 
• Of the 50 Imperial Eggs ever made, only seven are privately owned today  making this incredibly rare.

The luxury object is one of 50 bejeweled Easter eggs created by the House of Faberge for the Romanov Russia’s imperial family. Known as the Winter Egg, it was crafted for the czar Nicholas II to give his mother in 1913, four years before he abdicated his throne amid the tumult of the Russian Revolution. Tuesday’s record breaking sale at Christie’s London marked the Winter Egg’s third time going under the hammer. It was first sold by Christie’s in 1994 for 7.3 million Swiss francs, setting what was then a world record for a Faberge item. Eight years later, in 2002, the egg broke its own record when it fetched 9.6 million at a Christie’s auction in New York City.

Carved from rock crystal, the Winter Egg is a poetic meditation on the passage from winter to spring. Its translucent shell is adorned with platinum snowflakes set with rose cut diamonds, while inside a hanging platinum basket cradles a bouquet of white quartz flowers. The egg rests on a rock crystal base sculpted to resemble melting ice, evoking renewal and rebirth. As Christie’s noted in an October statement, the piece captures the idea of resurrection, symbolizing the shift from winter’s severity to the promise of spring. The Winter Egg is especially rare for another reason: it was designed by Alma Phil, one of the few female designers to work for Faberge. Born into a distinguished Finnish family of jewelers, Pihl initially produced life size watercolor records of Faberge creations. In her spare time, however, she sketched original designs of her own. These caught the eye of her uncle, Albert Stromboli, a master craftsman at the firm, who brought several of them into production. Alongside the Winter Egg, Phil designed the Mosaic Egg, presented by Nicholas II to his wife in 1914. Featuring a platinum lattice set with diamonds, rubies and other gemstones, the Mosaic Egg is now part of the British royal collection. Despite their legendary status, Faberge eggs often defy popular expectations. People imagine something the size of the Empire State Building, with diamonds the size of footballs Faberge expert Rankine McCarthy told CNN in 2015. In reality, he said, it’s a very delicate and small object and people are always surprised by just how intimate these eggs really are.

Russia’s last imperial family lived, as McCarthy put it, at such a height of luxury that you couldn’t really excite them with anything of intrinsic value. What mattered instead was artistry. It was always about the craftsmanship, he said the ingenuity, refinement and technical brilliance that distinguished Faberge's creations from mere displays of wealth. That gilded world came to an abrupt end with the Russian Revolution. After seizing power, the Bolsheviks confiscated many of the Romanov's’ Faberge eggs, dismissing them as almost certainly the most reprehensible symbols of the past, as Apollo magazine’s Dignity Wade Adam wrote in 2014. In the decades that followed, the new communist government quietly sold many of the eggs abroad, dispersing imperial treasures to overseas collectors. The Winter Egg’s own journey reflects this turbulent history. According to Christie’s, it was purchased by a London buyer for just 450 sometime between 1929 and 1933. The egg later passed through the hands of several English collectors before disappearing from public view in 1975. It would not resurface until 1994, when it re emerged at auction, reclaiming its place as one of the most extraordinary surviving works of Faberge.

The bee population is in decline these designers have a solution

Here are a few polished headline options, plus a short standfirst you can use beneath it. I’ve varied the tone so you can pick what fits best.

Headline options 

• As bee numbers plummet, designers step in with inventive solutions 
• Designing for survival how creative minds are helping save the bees 
• A design led response to the global decline of bees 
• When bees disappear, design offers hope 
• Can design save the bees These creators think so 

Stand first / desk 

• From urban beehives to pollinator friendly architecture and materials, designers around the world are rethinking how human made environments can support one of the planet’s most vital and vulnerable species.

A person in a beekeeper style suit carefully places a honeycomb like panel into a sleek, sculptural hive. The warm amber and honey tones echo the color of beeswax, while the minimalist, furniture like form suggests that this is not a traditional hive, but a designed object one intended to coexist with human spaces rather than be hidden away in fields. What the image communicates clearly 

• Human intervention, done gently the kneeling posture and careful hand movement imply care rather than exploitation. 
• Design meets ecology the hive looks like a piece of modern design, hinting at solutions that fit into urban homes, galleries or rooftops. 
• A future facing approach this isn’t nostalgia for old beekeeping methods, but a re imagining of how bees might survive alongside modern life.

As a caption or image description, you could use something like A designer led beehive re imagines how pollinators might live alongside humans, blending modern aesthetics with ecological purpose.

 

A small, wooden, modular beehive stands alone, elevated on slender legs. Its stacked, box like form resembles modernist architecture part micro tower, part furniture while the tiny perforations hint at bee entrances rather than windows. The soft, dappled shadows evoke a natural setting, suggesting how the object belongs outdoors, yet could just as easily sit in a garden, courtyard or urban terrace. 

What this image communicates 

• Architecture at a miniature scale the hive mirrors human buildings, implying cities designed not just for people, but for pollinators too. 
• Simplicity and sustainability untreated wood and clean lines signal an environmentally conscious, low impact solution. 
• Designed invisibility unlike traditional hives, this one blends into domestic and urban spaces, making coexistence easier and less intimidating. 

A strong caption could be

 A modular wooden beehive designed to integrate seamlessly into gardens and urban spaces, offering bees shelter without disrupting human environments.

The Captured Republic Pakistan’s Military and the Illusion of Islamic Destiny

Pakistan’s military is increasingly blending institutional power with religious narrative as it consolidates its influence over the state. In recent years, the army has widened its ideological footprint domestically, while also strengthening strategic relationships with Saudi Arabia and Turkey ties that could support a broader Islamic oriented role in regional geopolitics. Some analysts warn that if these trends continue, the Pakistani military of 2035 might evolve into an institution that functions not only as the country’s conventional defense force but also as a powerful, ideologically driven corporate entity. Such a development could heighten tensions with India and contribute to instability across South Asia.

Here is a clean, coherent, and neutral rewrite of your full passage, preserving the analytical force while tightening structure and flow. I’ve also removed repetition and shaped it into a unified essay style narrative. Re crafted Version Pakistan’s army was born out of fear fear of India, fear of disintegration, and fear of irrelevance. In 1947, as Partition tore the subcontinent apart, the new state of Pakistan emerged without the institutional foundations, industrial base, or administrative depth necessary for stability. Its military, composed largely of  Muslim officers from the British Indian Army, inherited not a fully formed state but a sense of siege. Unlike India, which quickly stabilized within a democratic framework, Pakistan’s early leadership confronted uncertainty, internal fragmentation, and a deep belief real or perceived that India sought to reverse Pakistan’s creation. From the outset, this insecurity fused nationalism with theology. Officers were taught that Pakistan was not merely a political entity but an Islamic project born in opposition to a Hindu majority India. When General Ayoub Khan seized power in 1958, the coup was cast not as an overthrow of the state but as its rescue. The army presented itself as the most competent and patriotic institution, uniquely equipped to safeguard Pakistan’s interests. The trauma of 1971 when East Pakistan broke away to form Bangladesh did not weaken this worldview. Instead of introspection, the military responded with indignation. Civilians and politicians were blamed, and the army emerged from the defeat even more deeply entrenched in the state. The collapse hardened the conviction that only the military could protect Pakistan’s territorial and ideological frontiers. The next major transformation came under General Zia ul Haq after his 1977 coup. Zia’s era marked the full integration of Islam into military identity. Fortuitously for the army, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan aligned global geopolitics with Pakistan’s strategic ambitions. Armed with U.S. assistance and Saudi funding, Zia infused religious doctrine into the officer corps, blending professional military training with Islamic indoctrination. Jihad became both an instrument of foreign policy and a unifying ideological framework for a divided society. By the end of the Cold War, the Pakistan Army had become more than a defense force. it was a political actor, an economic conglomerate, and the self appointed guardian of Pakistan’s ideological mission. Its origins in insecurity, its repeated interventions in civilian governance, and its deep entanglement with religion have shaped an institution that continues to view itself as indispensable to the nation’s survival.

 

How nutrition is vital for school performance

Nourishing children’s success: How nutrition is vital for school performance

Parents always want the best for their children. They want to see their children excel in academics and participate in healthy physical activities like sports. However, children nowadays face many challenges throughout the school day learning 5-6 subjects and participating in extra-curricular activities and sports. While children begin their day full of energy, their energy levels are depleted in a few hours due to the mental and physical demands of the school day. In a recent survey of 300 Pakistani women, conducted by Four Corners Group Private Limited, 73% said that their children often complain that they feel tired after the school break. This decline in energy adversely affects their learning and participation in school activities. Proper nutrition during the school break can help prevent this slump during the school day. “School lunch is a make or break for children’s nutrition and performance,” says nutritionist, Dr. Ayesha Abbas. A balanced diet during this time lays the foundation for improved academic performance by sustaining children’s energy levels, allowing them to keep up with today’s demanding school environment.

Dr. Abbas encourages parents to give their children a balanced lunch box, which includes a mix of macronutrients protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy for the body, aiding in mental focus. Protein keeps children fuller longer, stabilising blood sugar, and prevents energy crashes. Healthy fats are crucial for cognitive function, supporting memory, concentration, and learning. A combination of all three macronutrients is essential for children to function well in school. 

A chicken sandwich or kababs, fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots or cucumbers, and a handful of nuts with milk can form the basis of a macro rich lunchbox.Decades of research have shown that milk is one of the most important foods that children can consume during their school lunch break. 

A research conducted by the Institute of Nutrition in Vietnam found that consumption of milk led to a positive impact on student’s memory and physical growth. Another research conducted by Nutrition Society of South Korea established the relationship between milk consumption at school and improved academic performance & motivation for learning. Therefore, milk is given to students in school breaks through government programs in USA, UK, Europe, China and Turkey. “In today’s fast paced world, I am always looking for convenient and nutritious options to give my nine year old for their school lunch”, says one mother, Mariya. 

While parents might struggle to ensure milk consumption during school, one of the easiest solutions is to add flavoured milk to their children’s lunch box. 96% of survey respondents believed that flavoured milk is the ideal drink for their children’s school lunch box. Olper’s Flavoured Milk provides a convenient way to improve the nutrition of their children’s lunch box. It includes all the goodness of milk with added vitamins and calcium, in flavours that children love.

 

Got Plant Milk

The best part? We’re going to specifically look at each of these milks to see whether or not they ‘do your coffee good.’ Because, if they don’t enhance your cup of joe, why bother, right? Just kidding, we know there are many other uses for plant based milks aside from adding them to your coffee, but since we’re pretty partial to this beloved bean, we’ll stick to the java enhancing qualities of these milks for now. ;)

Do you suffer from dairy allergies? Are you lactose intolerant? Perhaps you’re seeking ways to reduce inflammation? Or, maybe you’re looking to avoid the antibiotics and hormones often found in cow’s milk? If you can relate to any of the needs or concerns listed above, chances are you’ve searched for substitutes to dairy. From allergies to intolerances, from a focus on health to a preference in flavor, many people are finding reasons to give plant based milks a try. And, while such milks certainly aren’t a new concept, the availability of options in this category seems to continually expand. In fact, here we’re going to list 16 different varieties of milks, all derived from plants.

 

Rice milk Though not as creamy as some other plant based milks, rice milk possesses a slight sweetness that makes it a delightful addition to coffee. And, while rice milk definitely isn’t the right option for those cutting back on carbs, it is considered the least likely of all plant based milks to cause any allergies. Most consider rice milk to be best for making coffee smoothies or more decadent coffee treats, but due to that slightly sweet flavor mentioned above, it works just fine as an addition to iced or hot coffee.

Banana milk is a unique plant based option that is usually fortified with calcium. And, while it generally isn’t considered a go to option for regularly adding it to hot or iced coffee, it could make a great addition to your coffee smoothies. You haven’t tried coffee smoothies yet.Coffee smoothies are a great way to expand your options when enjoying your java, and bananas are often used as a thickening agent when doing so.

Sesame Milk Some liken the thick and creamy texture of black sesame milk to that of soy milk, and the froth it produces is super thick, making it a latte superstar! Containing just as much protein as most dairy milk (but far less sugar), adding this thick and creamy plant milk to your coffee not only provides a protein boost, but sesame milk contains a wealth of amino acids as well.

Cashew Milk  full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of cashews, so I was skeptical of cashew milk. But, upon trying it, I was blown away! Of all plant based nut milks, though cashew milk admittedly isn’t your friend when seeking a beautiful foamy topping for a latte, it is still an absolutely delicious addition to coffee! From a small splash in a fresh cup of hot coffee, to making the perfect coffee smoothie, and even a creamy addition to cold brew, cashew milk is so smooth, has a surprisingly neutral (not too nutty) flavor, and is extraordinarily thick and rich. When making iced lattes, the espresso nearly sits on top of the cashew milk due to its luxuriously thick texture...with a simple stir to combine the two, you’ll be sipping pure velvet!

Almond Milk Let’s kick things off with a classic. Cornering 63% of the plant based milk market, almond milk is considered the most popular dairy alternative. Super light and slightly creamy, this milk is the foam king when it comes to coffee! That’s right, all those pretty and incredibly tasty lattes you see posted all over social media, both hot and iced, can be made with almond milk. This nut milk creates a super stable foam to use atop your coffee, hot or cold. Now, of course, you can simply add warmed almond milk to your hot coffee or a splash of refrigerated almond milk to your iced coffee or cold brew, but if you’re really going for looks and desire a layer of smooth velvety foam to rest on top of your brew, almond milk delivers consistently!

Walnut Milk Packed with omega 3’s, many people are starting to make walnut milk their daily choice when adding a splash of creamy, buttery flavor to their hot or iced cup of joe. Walnut milk can be somewhat difficult to find in grocery stores, but those who make their own find it to be their milk of choice for adding to coffee specifically, due to the fact that it doesn’t change the flavor of the coffee but only adds richness and slightly creamy texture.

Coconut milk Refrigerated coconut milk (as opposed to the thicker kind found in a can) is subtly sweet, light, but also slightly creamy. And, if you don’t mind the slight coconut flavor, it makes a wonderful addition to coffee. The downside here? If you indeed don’t care for the flavor of coconut, you should be aware that most generally you’ll be able to detect this flavor when using coconut milk in your coffee. Personally, I think the flavor is quite subtle, but some dislike using coconut milk in coffee specifically for the above mentioned reason. 

In my experience, it doesn’t froth well, but if you have an espresso machine with a steaming wand, you can produce some decent foam if you’re looking to use it in a delicious latte. My favorite way to enjoy unsweetened coconut milk is cold brewed with our Light Roast