Elegant Gold & Turquoise Pendant by Murrle, Bennett & Co., London, c. 1905

Many English pieces of jewellery from the turn of the century are set from top to bottom with seed pearls, which were available in large quantities due to the Empire’s ties with India. Others dazzle with the colorful brilliance of precious gemstones that reached Great Britain from the same source. And still others combine both. This pendant emphasizes form while maintaining a deliberately understated design. The center is adorned with a large turquoise featuring interesting black veining. Surrounding it is an organic, curved frame crafted from bent gold. An elongated North American river pearl forms the lower border. With its flat, powerful design, the pendant draws on the British Arts & Crafts movement, whose origins date back to the 19th century. The Arts & Crafts movement initially focused primarily on shared philosophical and social reform goals, but soon developed its own distinct style. C. 1900, this design language became known as the Liberty Style, as some Arts & Crafts artists sold their designs through the department store of the same name. While medieval references were favored in fabric and furniture design, the Liberty Style distinguished itself in jewellery through its emphasis on flat surfaces, the extensive avoidance of intricate embellishments, and its often vibrant colour palette—criteria that we see fulfilled here as well. We have paired this well-preserved pendant with a modern chain. It came to us from Frankfurt am Main. It was crafted at the Murrle, Bennet & Co. workshop in London.

Estimate:$2,125.38

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