British vintage jewelry Liberty and Co

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A gold enameled necklace with moonstone. Work by Fred Partridge. 1900. British vintage jewelry Liberty and Co

British vintage jewelry Liberty and Co
English merchant Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty (13 August 1843 – 11 May 1917) opened his first shop in London in 1875. Since 1894 he began to collaborate with famous jewelers, such as Archibald Knox, the leading designer of the movement “Arts and Crafts” and Jesse Marion King (1875-1949).
Liberty jewelry is often made of hand forged silver, decorated with blue and green enamel and semiprecious stones. A great interest for collectors – his Art Nouveau necklaces with floral motifs. Traditionally, the design show the influence of Celtic motifs.
The company became famous for making author’s jewelry available to the general public. Its design skilfully combined the principles of the “Arts and Crafts” movement with quality mass production. Besides, the products of this company were simultaneously fashionable, beautiful and affordable.

Archibald Knox gold plated brooch with faux pearl. Circa 1900

The “Liberty” sold jewelry, designed by several artists under the common brand “Kimrik.” Noteworthy, most of these ornaments were created by Archibald Knox (1864-1933), whose characteristic feature was knots and interlacing ribbons in the Celtic spirit.
The main competitors of “Liberty” were “Murrle Bennett and Co” (1896-1916), producing similar design to the brand “Kimrik” jewelry pieces.