Description
As soon as I saw the design, I knew it was most likely a Murrle Bennett design from Pforzheim, perhaps designed by one of the Fahrner designers. I was delighted to see, that although it carries no stamp or indeed, silver mark, the jeweller who crafted the piece inscribed a serial number by hand, along with the initials EM…hurrah, I believe this to have been a piece crafted for Ernst Mürrle. There is the link I was looking for. Ernst Mürrle arrived in London in 1880 and maintained strong connections with Pforzheim, having the Jugendstil pieces of the day, crafted there and then imported them into London. In 1984 Mürrle started his collaboration with John B Bennett and the firm Murrle Bennett was formed. Much of their work (approx 80%) was created in Pforzheim, with Mürrle making at least half a dozen trips a year to acquire pieces. Fahrner and his team of designers made a lot of items for MB.
This is a lovely festoon piece with five identical panels set with turquoise. The panels, as you can see, are beautifully Jugendstil in their design and do make you think immediately of other designs for Murrle Bennett. It is so unusual because of the parallel chains in the design, as mostly I have seen these five panel pieces suspended on a single chain. The necklace looks fabulous when worn, not least because it is a long choker style, sitting just above where a scoop-necked T-shirt would start. That means it is perfectly positioned to be seen, without being too tight in a true choker style.
In excellent order throughout, both silver work and stones (which are open-backed) and complete with her original chain and barrel clasp fastener. A beauty of a find! The height of each drop is approx 2cm and the wearable length of the chain is approx 45cm (17.75 inches).
I will send in a necklace presentation box by express courier internationally or else by special delivery within the UK. Box in the images is not included, thank you.
Ref:czk
