In this section you will find a selection of early Australian jewellery that we have to offer. Many will be signed pieces such as jewellery made by Willis, Duggin, Shappere & Co and Aronson to name a few, while others although unstamped or without a makers stamp or name are typical of early Australian jewellery.
Click here to read a brief article on early Australian jewellery and some of the makers: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/a-brief-history-of-australian-jewellery/
Quick View
Antique diamond snake brooch set with a natural pearl by Thomas Gaunt
Here is a wonderful example of early Australian jeweller, made even more special by being made by one of Australia's most famous early jewellers, Thomas Gaunt. Dating from the 1880's, this lovely brooch was made in 15 carat gold and depicts a snake making its way up a pole where a natural pearl sits. Measuring 63.7mm in length, in total there are seventeen European cut diamonds that total 0.48 carats and is further highlighted with ruby eyes. Whereas today pearls are cultured, this one has a natural pearl at the top which adds such a wonderful elegance to an already very beautiful brooch. With a wonderful subject that will always be a conversation starter, this is one antique diamond brooch that will always capture the eye and be admired. Stock# ES9321 Maker: Thomas Gaunt Circa: 1880 $3,300
$3,300.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique Australian sterling silver inkwell attributed to Julius Schomburgk
Here is a truly exceptional and rare piece of early Australian silver work that captures the essence of Australia flora and fauna and is breathtaking to admire from every angle that it is viewed. Made in the 1870's, the set is made from sterling silver with three emu eggs with the two sides ones having have been made into inkwells. The tops of these are gorgeous with one having a kangaroo and the other an emu, while the third egg has a lyre bird sitting atop. And in the centre is a magnificent and highly detailed palm tree with an oxidized sterling silver Aboriginal man in a classic hunting scene facing towards two kangaroos, with another kangaroo to the other side. Adorned with further plants and ferns, this is truly a breathtaking piece and one that was made by an expert silversmith. Attributed to Julius Schomburgk who was one of many German immigrants who arrived in Australia in the 19th Century, the work in this piece is typical of his work and he made many pieces for the esteemed silversmiths Henry Steiner and Joachim Wendt. Set on an ebony base that measures 56cm by 35cmcm, the silver section measures 44cm by 23.2cm by 27.5cm to the top of the tree, or 34cm from the base of the ebony to the top of the tree. A true museum piece - and not a phrase that is used lightly, this is a wonderful and historic piece of early Australia at its finest. Stock# ES9284 Circa: 1870 $32,500
$32,500.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique boomerang, Australia, kangaroo and emu brooch by Simonsen
This wonderful antique brooch displays all things Australian and was made by one of Australia's early jewellers, Simonsen. Made in 9 carat yellow gold in the early 1900's, the brooch measures 44.1mm across by 17.2mm and displays a boomerang with a map of Australia with a kangaroo and emu facing towards it. With a lovely matte finish to the gold, this is such a charming brooch that will always be admired, appreciated and commented on. Stock# ES9309 Maker: Simonsen Circa: 1910 $925
$925.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique early Australian antique brooch locket made in the 1870’s
This antique brooch is not only so exquisitely detailed and made, but a wonderful example of early Australian jewellery which has become increasingly sought after and collectable in recent years. Made in the 1870's in 15 carat gold, the colour of the gold has wonderful rich colour that looks amazing set against any outfit. The brooch is set with one rich burgundy coloured garnet and two chrysoberyls that have a lovely soft yellow-green colour that sit perfectly against the warm tone of the gold. However it is the detail in this brooch which is truly extraordinary and a real testament to the quality of jewellery that was produced in Australia in the 19th century. With the brooch measuring 36.2mm across by 74.1mm, this will certainly stand out on any outfit and get the admiration that it rightly deserves every time that it is worn. The workmanship is as good as one could ever hope to find on early Australian jewellery and to make this brooch even more exciting, the front hinges open to reveal a locket compartment. And to complete the picture, it still retains its original fitted box adding that extra charm to an already truly exceptional brooch. This is a superb example of early Australian jewellery work at its finest. Stock# ES9285 Circa: 1870 $5,850
$5,850.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique seed pearl crescent brooch by Duggin, Shappere & Co
Here is such an attractive antique brooch that was made by one of Australia's most famous jewellers, Duggin, Shappere & Co in the early 1900's that will always look so elegant on any outfit where it will always be admired. Made in 15 carat gold, the colour of the gold has such a wonderful warm patina that matches beautifully with the pearls and highlights the design of the brooch perfectly. Not only is the brooch set with seed pearls, but looking at the crescent section, the pearls graduate to elegantly and show just how much thought and care went into making this brooch well over 100 years ago. Measuring 24.7mm across by 29.7mm, the brooch is also fitted with a safety chain for added security. Day or night, this brooch will always look perfect on any outfit where it will always be worn with pride. Stock# ES9296 Maker:Â Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1900 $1,150
$1,150.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique pendant that can be worn as a brooch by Duggin, Shappere & Co
This is a wonderful example of making your jewellery work for you in so many ways. Made by the early Australian jewellery company Duggin, Shappere & Co at the start of the 20th century, this pendant was made in 9 carat gold and set with two lovely vibrant garnets and to highlight the design, twenty natural seed pearls in the man section, with another set into the detachable bail. Measuring 32.9mm across, when worn as a pendant it measures 53.8mm or when the detachable bail at the top is removed, 43.3mm. And removing the bail is simply a matter of sliding the piece out of the hole on the main section so when it is worn as a brooch, this does not hinder the look or the way it sits on the outfit. This is such a simple yet ingenuous system that it often seen on antique brooch/pendants and one that is so logical to allow it become two separate pieces of jewellery. So easily able to be dressed up or down, this will be the perfect piece for any occasion no matter how you choose to wear it. Stock# ES9322 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1900 $1,550
$1,550.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique brooch of a boomerang, kangaroo, emu and coat of arms by Willis
Here is a fantastic antique brooch that was not only made by one of Australia's most famous and prolific jewellers, but truly is as Australian as it can get. Made in 9 carat gold, the brooch measures 52mm across by 26mm and depicts both a kangaroo and emu facing the Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms on top of a boomerang with the word "Australia" across the front. King Edward VII first officially granted of a coat of arms to the Commonwealth of Australia in 1908. The first Coat of Arms was a shield of white and blue with a cross of St George, with five six-pointed white stars along the cross and six small shields around the edge of the shield. The shield was supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound and above the shield was the crest containing the seven-pointed gold star of Federation on a wreath of white and blue. The motto ‘Advance Australia’ was inscribed at the base of the grassy mound, all of which can be seen on this brooch. Not only is this brooch over 110 years old, but it is also in exceptional condition and as beautiful today as when it was made over a century ago. Making it even more exciting is that this particular brooch is seen on page 274 of the book, Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths, Makers & Marks, by Kenneth Cavill, Graham Cocks, and Jack Grace. Such a wonderful conversation starter, there is no doubt that this brooch will always be commented on and admired from near or far. Stock# ES9308 Maker: Willis Circa: 1910 $1,100
$1,100.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique garnet and pearl brooch by Duggin, Shappere & Co
Here is such a charming and sweet antique brooch that was not only made in a design that will always be admired every time that it is worn, but was also made by one of Australia's most famous jewellers of the late 19th and early 20th Century, Duggin, Shappere & Co. Made in 9 carat gold in the early 1900's, the circular design of this brooch will so easily allow it to be worn for any occasion and always look so elegant and refined. With the pearls set into a charming design reminiscent of flowers, the garnets themselves have such a beautiful rich burgundy colour that stands out so well set against the pearls. Measuring 28.3mm in diameter, this is a gorgeous example of an antique brooch that even well after 100 years after being made, can still be worn for any occasion, day or night and always be loved and admired. Stock# ES9297 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1910 $1,250
$1,250.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique amethyst bangle made by Rollason in the early 1900’s
Here is a beautiful antique amethyst bangle that is so exciting for so many reasons. To begin with it was made in 9 carat rose gold with the colour of the gold having a wonderful warm tone that is a perfect match for the amethysts to work together to compliment each other. The amethysts are set in a delightful gypsy setting which is when there is a star pattern surrounding the gemstones, which was created by the jeweller pushing into the gold resulting in not only a star pattern but also a bead to add to the security of the stone. This is such a simple design, yet it adds such a charming element to the bangle. The design along the top of the bangle is also so beautiful and being a hinged bangle, this allows it to sit nice and close to the wrist making it so comfortable and practical to wear all the time. Then there is the condition of the bangle which is still in superb condition even after 100 years has passed. Free of any dents or damage, it is a real testament to the quality of craftsmanship that was done all those years ago. This bangle was made by one of Australia's most highly respected jewellers, Rollason. This company started in Sydney in 1888 and quickly became known for the fine quality jewellery that was produced, with this bangle being a superb example. And finally to make this bangle even more special, this is the exact bangle that was photographed and featured in the book 'Australian Jewellers Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks' by K Cavill, G Cocks and J Grace, on page 204. With a design that is gorgeous, combined with being in superb condition as well as by an early Australian jeweller, all of this comes together to make this such an exciting and wonderful bangle to be worn with so much pride. Stock# ES9324 Maker: Rollason Circa: 1910 $2,350
$2,350.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique Australian brooch by Willis of a boomerang and a swan
Early Australian jewellery is becoming so sought after, and here is a gorgeous antique brooch made by the early Australian jewellery company, Willis. Made in the early 1900's, it was made in 9 carat rose and yellow gold and has a boomerang with a swan sitting above. Finding Australian brooches with swans would have to be the hardest design to find, and this one in yellow gold is so beautiful. With the brooch measuring 38.4mm across by 20.5mm, there is no doubt that this brooch will always be admired every time that it is worn. Stock# ES9306 Maker: Willis Circa: 1910 $875
$875.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Large antique agate brooch made in 15 carat gold.
This antique brooch measures quite a large 6.3cm across by 4.9cm and is destined to always be admired every time that it is worn thanks to not only its large size, but the gorgeous colour and pattern coming from the agate as well as the magnificent border that it is set into. Made in 15 carat gold in the 1870's, although not marked, the design of this brooch is very typical of the early Australian jewellers of this period. The border has all the common traits and styles of early Australian work and in itself is so beautiful to admire, and gets more and more beautiful the closer you see it. With such detail, this frame is perfect to highlight the agate that is set in the centre. With a lovely earthy tone and pattern to it, agates were very popular during the Victorian period when this brooch was made. As beautiful today as when it was made, this antique agate brooch will always be loved and admired. Stock# ES9211 Circa: 1870 $2,350
$2,350.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique solid opal ring set in 15 carat gold made in the early 1900’s
Not only is this ring set with a beautiful solid crystal opal, but it is set in a hand made setting in 15 carat gold that has the most amazing soft warm rose colour to it that looks amazing on the hand and compliments the opal perfectly. Made in the early 1900's, the opal measures 1.75 carats and displays wonderful spectral flashes of green to red and will always be admired every time that it is worn, day or night. With such a simple yet elegant design to the band that leads up to the opal, this is a wonderful antique ring that will always look so beautiful on the finger. Stock# ES9180 Circa: 1910 $2,350
$2,350.00 Add to cart