A rare pair of Fabergé gold, jade and diamond cufflinks, Workmaster August Hollming, St. Petersburg, 1913-1915

the links formed of light-green jade carved in the form of an elephant  millegrain-set within rose-cut diamond borders, with workmaster's initials and scratched inventory number 80566, 56 standard

The cufflinks are very rare and highly attractive and it is unusual to find a piece with all original diamonds, including the eyes. The baton on one of the cuff links has been broken and glued back together and there is also a crack running the the elephant on the other cuff link. The piece might benefit from a professional clean.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Elephants, the most popular animal in Fabergé's menagerie of stone figures, were incorporated into many other objets d'art made by the workshops and are very prominent in the firm's designs for jewellery. Fabergé's most important clients were members of the Imperial Family, particularly the Empress Maria Fedorovna, born Princess Dagmar of Denmark. In Denmark, the Order of the Elephant is the oldest and most distinguished decoration which dates back to the 15th century. A warrior elephant was used as a symbol for the defenders of Christianity who were incensed at the sight of Christ's blood. This may be the reason the Danish Order adopted the use of the elephant's image. The elephant also symbolised purity and chastity as well as absolute rule. Because of the strong links between Russian, Danish and British royal courts, mostly through marriage, several members of these families were awarded the Order of the Elephant. Hence Fabergé, the Supplier to the Imperial Court, was often commissioned to produce objects featuring this animal and many ended up in European royal collections.   

The design for a similar pair of cufflinks in lapis lazuli by Albert Holmström is illustrated in A. Kenneth Snowman: Fabergé: Lost and Found, London: Thames and Hudson 1993, p. 139. The drawing is dated June 1, 1913.