Murphy family necklace
16th July 2021
An episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow, filmed at Windermere and broadcast in February, included this 18ct gold and pearl necklace by H G Murphy.
Originally a gift to Angela Scott-Nicholson on her 21st birthday in 1931, it had passed by descent to new owners through four generations on each of their 18th birthdays. It was valued by Roadshow specialist John Benjamin at over £10,000.
The piece, in its original fitted box with the Falcon Studio printed logo, comprised seven graduated gold discs, five set with natural saltwater half-pearls within stylized swirling leaf and spiral motifs and a twisted wirework border. It sold for £11,250 on 15th July 2021.
Three years previously, Woolley and Wallis set a record for Murphy when a circular pendant centred by an oval cabochon blue sapphire within borders of enamel, gold strapwork, rubies and emeralds, sold at £70,000.
