MURRLE BENNETT for LIBERTY Arts and Crafts Turquoise Pearl 15ct Gold Bracelet – 1903

Description

A stunning original Arts & Crafts bracelet; by the collectable designer Murrle Bennett for Liberty & Co. London. This elegant piece features natural boulder turquoise and freshwater pearls, each set in a buttery 15ct gold wirework cage, interspersed with six charming lovers knot links.

The Arts & Crafts period built upon the artistic appreciation of all things natural in the Art Nouveau period, by showcasing the craftsmanship and handmade beauty of natural stones, and the jeweller’s artistry. This is a particularly lovely example, and it makes an extremely wearable addition to any antique jewellery collection.

ERA: Arts & Crafts – Registered Number on the clasp (402310) shows it was made in 1903

MATERIAL: 15ct yellow gold (unhallmarked but acid tested), boulder turquoise, boulder freshwater pearl

MAKER: As was common with bracelets (due to the small links) this piece is unmarked, but unmistakeably attributable to Murrle Bennett, most likely for Liberty & Co, London.

• Murrle Bennett was started by Ernst Mürrle and J.B.Bennett in 1884 and operated until 1914. The company manufactured in both Pforzheim, Germany and London in the UK. They became particularly well known for their wonderful, artistic Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs and were regularly stocked in Liberty of London.

SIZE: 8.25′ long so fits a larger size wrist but could easily be shortened/ extended if needed. The largest pearl measures 20 x 15mm at widest.

WEIGHT: 18 grams

CONDITION: Great antique condition – the gold wirework is in excellent condition, with no missing pieces. Turquoise and pearl show natural markings to the surface, but no chips or cracks. Original bolt ring clasp with registered design number tag that dates it to 1903. Spring in clasp is secure and there is an additional gold safety chain for extra security. Only two very minor condition points to note about the clasp:

• The bolt ring of the clasp has a nice spring to it, but when closing can sometimes be not 100% aligned – it does not have a gap, just occasionally its slightly off centre (see last photo). This doesn’t affect security/closure of the clasp, and besides this has a back up with the safety chain.
• The receiving end jump ring of the clasp is a barely imperceptible different shade of gold (tests as 9ct whereas rest of bracelet is 15ct)

These points are barely noticeable and only mentioning for utmost accuracy; they do not affect the wearability of the piece. More photos and video available on request. Antique box for illustration only but this will come beautifully gift wrapped.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Not suitable for sleeping in, activity, immersion in liquids and avoid perfumes/aerosols to preserve the pearls/turquoise.

SHIPPING: Free inside the UK and to the US – Please note that buyers are responsible for any import or customs charges.

TAGS: MURRLE BENNETT for LIBERTY Arts and Crafts Turquoise Pearl 15ct Gold Bracelet – 1903