Fine & Decorative Arts

Ron Ciarmello

Fine & Decorative Arts Division

Ron Ciarmello joined Morphy Auctions in 2015 as a consultant cataloguing timepieces and jewelry, along with arts and crafts furniture. Ron is a third generation jeweler and antique dealer, and has been working in the fine jewelry industry since 1994. He studied fine jewelry sales through the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and has been buying, selling and collecting both wrist and pocket watches for over 25 years now. Currently working with the Fine & Decorative Arts Division, Ron has special expertise in the Arts & Crafts period, as well as being responsible for identifying, evaluating and cataloging as our jewelry and timepiece specialist.

John Morphy, M.D.

Fine & Decorative Arts Division

John Morphy, M.D., a retired physician, was part of the Morphy team long before “the team” ever existed. As the father of Morphy Auctions’ President and Founder, Dan Morphy, Dr. Morphy was the guiding force who sparked and nurtured Dan’s interest in the antiques industry. With his knowledge and appreciation of antiques, “Doc,” as he is known to one and all, was Dan’s most important influence and a constant source of encouragement to his son as he ventured into antiques as a profession. Dr. Morphy’s primary duties are to provide catalog descriptions and condition reports, appraise goods and assist with the shipping of items purchased at auction. His expertise developed over 35+ years in the industry and includes, but is not limited to, art glass, fine art, antique toys, country store, holiday and general antiques. Dr. Morphy is an integral part of the day-to-day operations at the gallery, and in his free time he still buys, sells and collects the antiques he has grown to love.

Peter Thomson

Fine & Decorative Arts Division

Josh Tauber

Fine & Decorative Arts Division

Dr. Joshua Tauber joined the Decorative Arts Department of Morphy Auctions in August of 2020. Dr. Tauber (Josh), who also works as a physician specializing in addiction medicine in Arizona, is a long time collector of antiques of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts periods. Along with his fiancé, Josh also owns and operates an antique store in Arizona. Josh comes to Morphy with expertise, and a passion for early 20th century decorative arts, especially in the fields of lighting and glass of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts Periods. Dr. Tauber brings with him his extensive experience in collecting and dealing in lamps by Tiffany Studios, as well as his special interest in the more obscure makers such as Suess, Bigelow and Kennard, and Duffner and Kimberly. Additionally, Josh has a keen interest in the beautiful ceramics of the early 20th century, including Amphora, Weller and Grueby.

Patrick Orbe

Fine & Decorative Arts Division