April 14, 2006—Move over, Fabergé. Modern master Franc Grom creates and sells eggs that may outshine the 19th-century Russian jeweler's Easter bling.

Shown at work on Wednesday in Vrhnika, Slovenia (map), Grom uses an electric boring tool to drill approximately 2,500 to 3,500 holes in an eggshell. Inspired by traditional Slovenian designs, he has been known to pierce a shell as many as 17,000 times.

Easter eggs were reportedly first decorated in the 13th century. Christian authorities long ago forbade the eating of eggs during the days before the holiday. Eggs laid then took on special significance and came to represent the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as told in the Bible.

—Ted Chamberlain

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