Murrle-Bennett & Co

1884-1914

Highly influential to the Art Nouveau movement, the Anglo-German (London based) firm Murrle-Bennet & Co was founded by Ernst Murrle and J.B Bennett and specialised in high quality, low priced Silver and Gold Jewellery: some of which was sold through the famous London Jewellers, Liberty & Co.

Best known for its use of abstract motifs, typical of European Art Nouveau and the Arts & Crafts movement, many Murrle-Bennet pieces were produced in Theodore Fahrner's factory in Pforzheim, Germany, a centre for progressive jewellery designers.

Cabochon Cut gems were frequently used in Murrle Bennett pieces, due to their naturalistic form and it is very unusual to find faceted gems in a Murrle Bennett piece.

Murrle Bennett jewellery is widely collected, with prices dependant on condition and novelty of design. Pieces are generally marked "MB" or "MB & Co" although designs are so distinctive unmarked jewellery is also easily recognisable.

The Murrle-Bennett & Co company sold pieces via their own premises and catalogue, but also via Liberty & Co.

Originally intended to be affordable to the general public it is now highly sought after and prices reflect this.

More information can be found on the Liberty & Co and Christies websites...