Description
RESERVED for A only *****
An extremely rare antique Murrle Bennett Art Nouveau / Arts and Crafts pendant necklace, fully signed to the verso of the pendant with the Murrle Bennett maker’s mark and “950” for the standard of silver used in the piece. 950 silver has a higher silver purity than sterling (925) and was used for the finer pieces of design. There is a cross-over with the Art Nouveau taste in many of Murrle Bennett pieces and this is no exception, with the organic, naturalistic shapes around the centrally-set amethyst.
The pairing of the apple green enamel with the coral / pale red enamel is superb and then this is layered colour-wise with the sparkling purple amethysts mounted in gold. The most amazing thing for me with these antique MB pieces, is the pure concentration of design in such sweet proportions, making their pieces so wearable for us today.
This hammered silver shield-shaped plaque pendant has a matching amethyst set in gold and suspended below it, adding a touch of articulation when you wear the necklace. The large MB bale is original. The chain I believe is an addition, although bears older marks for sterling so may well be from the same era or a little later. I shall include it for you too. The pendant measures approx 5cm in height and the length of the sterling chain is approx 16 inches (41cm).
In pleasing order for her age. A tiny, light horizontal scratch below the stone (visible under scrutiny). On the right hand side, there is a tiny area of orange enamel infill where the enamel has not completely filled the cell-it is a typical manufacturing feature and is not later damage. It is teeny but obviously I wanted to mention it for accuracy purposes. Enamel is all intact and secure, as well as being vibrant in colour.
A cheery and colourful treasure! I shall post in a new gift box by international courier or else by special delivery within the UK.. Thank you. Boxes in the images are for display only -thank you.
Ref: dkk
