Faberge collection headed for auction

LONDON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- A historical collection of famed Russian jeweler Gustav Faberge's artistic works is set to be auctioned off next week by Christie's in London.

The Independent said the more than 850 items up for sale at the two-day auction were originally designed by the famous jeweler and were formally owned by the late King George I of the Hellenes.

Together the hundreds of items reveal the vast interlaced history of 19th-century European royal families and are expected to garner sales of more than $2.9 million, the report said.

"The pieces themselves are very nice and there are things for serious silver collectors but with a smaller budget," Christie's official Harry Williams-Buckeley said.

But Williams-Buckley warned that Wednesday and Thursday's auction would not feature many inexpensive items, as all are rooted in Europe's rich history.

"The lowest estimate is £50 ($98) to £80 ($158) for a little silver mug. But then there is the historical aspect of it," he told the newspaper. "Here are possessions from one of the most well-connected 19th century kings."