Please note, chains and boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.

An utterly charming and strikingly pretty antique Victorian hinged opening locket hallmarked with the markers mark for Murrle,Bennet & Co, suitable for a photo, pressed flowers or even some very small gemstones if desired.

Crafted from 9ct yellow gold and designed as a large 4cm (without bale) x 2.5cm oval locket set with alternating natural blue Turquoise and natural half seed Pearls, with a sweet ribbon-like crowned top also set with Turquoise and seed Pearls.

Opening via an easy to use hinged rear mechanism, both the front and rear compartments retain their original hard early plastic panes which remain very clear.

Particularly feminine and pretty, in wonderful condition, this fine quality Victorian locket is longing for a photo or treasured momento once again!

History of Murrle, Bennet & Co

Murrle,Bennett & Co., an Anglo-German wholesale jewellery firm active around the early 20th century, specialised in Arts and Crafts-style jewellery. Their pieces, crafted in carat gold and sterling silver and marked with the Murrle,Bennett mark, are highly prized by antique jewellery collectors.

Murrle,Bennett & Co., originally Siegele & Bennett, was founded in Pforzheim, Germany, and established a London branch in 1884. Advertised in 1891 as a manufacturer and importer of British and foreign jewellery, it became Murrle, Bennett & Co. in 1896 after Ernst Murrle partnered with J.B. Bennett following Siegele’s departure.

Renowned as a wholesale jeweller, the firm facilitated the exchange of Germany’s Jugendstil and England’s Arts and Crafts designs, collaborating with Theodor Fahrner (marked with “TF” and Murrle Bennett’s mark) and supplying jewellery to Liberty & Co.

The company operated until 1916, when Murrle was expelled to Germany during World War I, and the business was renamed White, Redgrove & Whyte, retaining its London address.

Please see Lang Antique University HERE for hallmark information. 

STONES
Natural Turquoise cabochons
Natural half seed Pearls

ERA
Victorian 1837-1901

MEASUREMENTS
Drop with bale - 4.5cm
Oval locket without bale - 4cm x 2.5cm

WEIGHT
7.72 Grams

MARKS
/ 9ct / ‘CMBo’ Makers mark for Murrle,Bennet & Co. 

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  All Turquoise and Pearls original, no re-gluing, well set and secure, under magnification only one Turquoise has a minor nick to the lower edge, insignificant.  The hinged mechanism works perfectly, and opens and closes very securely, with no looseness to the hinge.  No repairs.  Hard plastic panes are original and in very good condition, no significant marks, and are very clear.