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This year has been a difficult one for many but throughout these challenges we must always find something to look forward to. For the jewellery and watch lovers out there, The Kalmar Antiques annual catalogue may just be that something! This curated selection of antique offerings is an exciting snapshot into these incredible items from bygone eras. We sat down with Gemmologist, Diamond Grader, Valuer and Director of Kalmar Antiques, Damien Kalmar, to discuss highlights from this year's  catalogue. 

Details of the sterling silver centrepiece by Julius Schomburgk, page 34.

After another challenging year in New South Wales you must be excited to be re-opened and presenting Kalmar Antiques annual catalogue. What can people expect to find in the year's offering?

Besides the traditional range of antiques that we carry, we also purchased quite a substantial amount of antique pocket watch keys. These pieces are full of charm and also make fabulous pendants!

We have also expanded our range of vintage enamel butterfly brooches from the 1930s. These pieces have such fantastic vibrant colours and are so versatile to wear. Our collection includes pieces from many different European jewellers including, most notably, Danish jeweller David Andersen.

On top of this, we also acquired two truly amazing early Australian antique sterling silver pieces from the 1870's one, a centrepiece and the other an inkwell which features real emu eggs. The detail in these pieces fantastically capture Australian history and are just incredibly unique items that you couldn't find anywhere else in the world.

The front cover features an extraordinary antique demi parure, what can you tell us about this piece?

Yes, it really is amazing! It dates from the 1870's and really takes you back to a time of high society. Unlike other sets that we have had in the past, both the earrings and brooch are quite substantial in size and highlighted with enamel and pearls.

In terms of jewellery, there are so many highlights in this catalogue. Which are some of your favourite pieces?

Easily, any and all of the early Australian jewellery I always adore, especially the two silver art pieces I mentioned previously. They really are a must-see!

 My affinity for Australian jewellery means I just can't go past this magnificent brooch attributed to Sydney jeweller, Alfred Lorking. This piece has so much incredible detail and depicts a fantastic naturalistic design. The natural pearls used to form the image of a bunch of grapes is incredibly delicate but also adds such an amazing tactile component to the piece. The border of the brooch, crafted in 15ct gold, has been created to simulate wooden branches. The level of detail captured in this piece is a true testament to the skill and talent that Alfred Lorking had.

Another fantastic piece of Australian history is the vintage brooch by Rhoda Wager. Wager was a prominent Australian jeweller throughout the 1920's to 1940's. Most of her jewellery was made in silver, so it is exciting to have this fantastic piece made in both silver and gold.

And finally, the serpent necklace on page 33 is by far the finest that I have ever seen, let alone had the privilege of selling. The graduation of the chain links is so impressive when we consider the hand-made nature of the piece all those years ago. What's more extraordinary is the detail of the serpent's head and heart pendant that is set with a large cabochon cut garnet. 

Another fantastic jewellery piece is the lava cameo bracelet that is featured on page 33. The six carved panels are a testament to the skills of these experienced carvers. The lava itself has beautiful soft, muted tones and depicts six cherubs.

Kalmar Antiques offers a fantastic range of vintage watches and timepieces. What are a few key pieces that we can expect to find in the catalogue?

This year has uncovered some exciting timepieces, with the two standout pieces being the Omega Constellation watch designed by the great Andrew Grima. This piece features an incredibly detailed, 18ct yellow gold bracelet and a glass and crown that is made from faceted citrine.

Then there is the vintage Patek Philippe from 1952, that comes with not only its original box and papers, but an extensive 50+ pages of service history and communication between the original owner and Patek Philippe. This timepiece really is an exceptional piece of history that is highly sort after by any watch collector.

To shop the latest catalogue and see these, and many more, incredible pieces for yourself shop online here or pick up a copy in-store.

Contact us

Shop 23, Level 2, Queen Victoria Building, George Street, Sydney 
NSW, Australia.

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