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Tiny but priceless, the Jewelled Sapphire Model of a Mouse by Fabergé has captivated collectors worldwide. Standing just 1.25 inches tall, this miniature masterpiece sold at Sotheby’s New York for a staggering $355,600 — nearly five times its high estimate of $70,000.

Carved from icy-blue sapphire, the mouse was part of the “Swinging on a Star: The Collection of Bing & Kathryn Crosby” and dates back to around 1900 in St. Petersburg. Prior to the auction, it was held by A La Vieille Russie in New York, adding historical weight and provenance to the piece.

The extraordinary sale price reflects more than rarity or auction excitement. It’s a combination of Fabergé-level craftsmanship, mastery of a notoriously difficult material, and collectors’ desire to own a true artistic gem.

Every detail of the mouse demonstrates meticulous skill: the slope of its back, the tension in its crouch, the positioning of its paws and toes — all contribute to a lifelike impression. Even the individual toes are carefully carved, a remarkable feat at such a small scale.

Sapphire, one of the hardest varieties of corundum, is ideal for jewelry but extremely challenging for sculpture. Achieving the mouse’s rounded form without chipping required incredible precision and patience.

The miniature’s icy translucence and glow come from expert polishing, while diamond accents on the ears, curled tail, and eyes bring the figure to life. Though the piece is apparently unmarked, experts note that provenance, materials, and carving quality are far more important. Connections to A La Vieille Russie and the Crosby collection documentation confirm the mouse’s authenticity.

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