13/02/2023 Latest News
Jewellery has been rooted in our culture for centuries, and for every style and era, complimentary jewellery exists. This makes it so fascinating to collect and explains its longstanding popularity and allure.
One distinctive style is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, an international trend in decorative and fine arts that flourished in Europe and North America between about 1880 and 1920. Its roots began in England, and the movement was inspired by the ideas of historian Thomas Carlyle, art critic John Ruskin, and the designer William Morris. It is associated with key figures such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Scotland.
One of the highest valued lots in our Jewellery and Watches Sale on Wednesday, 22 February, is a stunning Liberty & Co Arts and Crafts garnet pendant. Made from moonstone and demantoid with delicate leaf detail, it comes with a 40cm-long twisted link chain and carries a guide price of £3,000 - £4,000.
Also in the sale are four lovely pendants attributed to H.G. Murphy, each with a price estimate of £100 - £150. With a career spanning 30 years, Henry George Murphy (1884 - 1939) was a silversmith and jeweller who promoted both the Arts and Crafts and Art Deco styles.
He had an influential association with the renowned Arts and Crafts architect and jeweller Henry Wilson and was commissioned to make a jewelled enamel tiara for Princess Royal. He also made miniature versions of the Crown Jewels for Queen Mary’s Royal Doll’s House, exhibited at the Wembley British Empire Exhibition in 1924.
Murphy’s early death at 55 and the quick onset of the war years meant that his name was largely forgotten. However, increased awareness of this designer’s accomplished artistry over recent years means his pieces are now highly regarded.