Jugendstil Knox 15ct Gold Turquoise and Pearls Pin by Murrle Bennett (Item #AC-mbgoldpin)
$595.00
To inquire or purchase, please contact sales@theratstuff.com. Reference Item #AC-mbgoldpin.
Here is a rare and beautiful art nouveau or arts & crafts (depending on who you ask) 15 ct gold pin by Murrle Bennett & Co, probably retailed by Liberty & Co of London, circa 1910. This may be an Archibald Knox design due to the whiplash motifs evident in the mount. The center features a veined matrix turquoise cabochon surrounded by two seed pearls, both of which are common in Murle Bennett jewelry. The reverse has a T-bar hinge and C-clasp. It is signed on the back: 15ct and the Murrle Bennett logo (partially worn). The brooch measures 1/2" x 1 9/16", and is in excellent condition. This is a well made piece, and is not flimsy like some pieces made in this style by other makers.
Murrle Bennett & Co was an Anglo-German firm founded by Ernst Murrle (German) and J. B. Bennett (English) which produced high quality silver and gold jewelry of their own design, as well as others, such as Archibald Knox. Many pieces were sold by Liberty & Co. Their jewelry is highly collectible and commands high prices, particularly their Art Nouveau and Jugendstil designs, such as this one. Gold designs are rarer than their 950 silver designs, and of the gold designs, the 15 ct pieces are much better in quality and design than the 9 ct pieces. Other fine examples of Murrle Bennett jewelry are pictured in the Warman's Jewelry book series by Christie Romero.