Description
A truly beautiful design, so evocative of the c1900 Art Nouveau and Jugendstil movements. Created in Pforzheim for the Anglo-German collaboration of Murrle Bennett, who retailed through Liberty & Co of London. This is a fine quality 15ct gold marked and signed necklace that retains its original 15ct chains and decorated barrel clasp fastener. In outstanding condition for such an antique piece. Very pleasing all round!
Murrle Bennett did own a London studio in London between 1884 and 1916, however, their collaboration with leading designers in Germany, such as Theodor Fahrner and Wilhelm Fühner, meant that much of their work was crafted there and then imported into London. This piece is very reminiscent of Wilhelm Fühner designed pieces. The use of parallel bars, faux rivets, heart motifs and those distinctive pairs of oval gold links connecting differing plaques, all point to his design work. The combination of that strong buttery yellow gold, with the matrix turquoise is wonderful. The heart motif, the use of turquoise (the colour was supposed to represent the forget-me-not flower symbolising eternal love) and the little seed pearl set above the final drop heighten further the sense of love and commitment encapsulated in this sumptuous piece of jewellery. All that and still the strong Jugendstil designs of the day are represented here too. A striking piece of art you can wear too. What a treasure!
This is certainly a luxurious necklace, both in terms of its design and its materials. It is stamped to the verso of the main plaque with both “15CT” and the Murrle Bennett company stamp. The barrel fastener, which is etched with a diamond pattern also has the antique “15CT” stamp on a tiny gold plaque. The height from the heart motif plaque to the end of the drop is approx 5.3cm and the length of the chain is approx 45.5cm (17.75 inches).
I will send in a new gift box to keep her safe and send by international express courier or else by Special Delivery within the UK. Box in the images is for display only. Thank you.
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