Chosen as the front-cover illustration to Paul Atterbury and John Benjamin’s The Jewellery and Silver of HG Murphy (2005), this gemset pendant also provided Woolley & Wallis’ July 19 Jewellery and Watches catalogue with its showcase lot, writes Roland Arkell.
The circular pendant centred by an oval cabochon blue sapphire within borders of enamel, gold strapwork rubies and emeralds was offered in its original fitted box with an estimate of £5000-7000. However, it sold to a private collector at £56,000 (plus 25% buyer’s premium). Across a number of sales the Salisbury firm has sold a cache of items from the family of HG Murphy (1884-1939).