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/
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Antique rose gold Rolex watch made in 1914 and retailed by Saunders
This antique Rolex watch travelled the world until it found its final destination in Australia, and having just come back from a full service, it runs as beautiful today as when it was made. Rolex often made watches that were retailed through jewellers around the world, such as Tiffany in America, Bucherer in Switzerland, and of course Saunders in Australia. This allowed the respective companies to sign the dial with their name such as this one that was sold by Saunders. Although the writing is somewhat worn, it is still legible and adds to the character of the watch as well as being a part of Australian watch and jewellery history. The beautiful gold case measures 27mm across plus the crown and was made in 9 carat rose gold that has that wonderful warm colour to it that looks even better on the wrist and adds to the beauty of a watch that was made over 100 years ago. It has British import hallmarks for 1914, meaning that once the case and movement was imported into England from Switzerland, it had by law to go through the assay office where it was hallmarked confirming the purity of the gold. From there it was sent to its final destination of Australia, where Saunders then put their name and details on the dial. Early Rolex watches such as this one often had a standout feature from other watches, in that although they were all using enamel dials that remain as white today as when they were made, Rolex were the first to have all the numbers in black, except for the 12 which was in red. This gives such an incredible contrast to both the numerals and the dial and was a "signature" Rolex look even more so as they themselves didn't sign their name on these early dials. Inside the watch is powered by a 15 jewelled manual wind movement that has just come back from a complete service and comes with our twelve month warranty, and is fitted on a lovely black band that will allow this watch to be worn with any outfit of any colour. Nothing beats an antique, and nothing beats an antique Rolex watch that is a true piece of Australia's past. Stock# W1832 Maker: Rolex Retailer: Saunders (Australia) Circa: 1914 $1,850
$1,850.00 Add to cart
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Solid Lightning Ridge black opal made by Prouds in the 1930’s
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are regarded as the best in the world, and here is very elegant solid black opal that displays such wonderful fire to it that will always look amazing, day or night. Hand made in 15 carat rose gold in the 1930's by the early Australian jewellery company Prouds in the 1930's, the setting is very elegant and refined and is perfect to highlight and show off the opal perfectly. Being bezel set gives it such a smooth look that works perfectly with the oval cabochon opal that measures 1.35 carats. With gorgeous colour coming from the opal, combined with such an elegant setting, this opal ring will always be admired every time that it is worn. Stock# ES9861 Maker: Prouds Circa: 1930 $5,800
$5,800.00 Add to cart
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Antique natural pearl and paste bee brooch made by Willis
The detail in this brooch is just so wonderful to admire from afar and gets all the more beautiful the closer you get. Made in 15 carat rose gold by the early Australian jewellery company, Willis and Sons in the early 1900's, the brooch depicts a bee that is set with not only seed pearls on the wings as well as at each end of the brooch, but also a gorgeous natural pearl as its body. Highlighted with blue paste as well that adds a gorgeous additional colour, the brooch measures 53.2mm across by 15.2mm wide at its widest part in the centre. Destined to always get the attention that it rightly deserves, this brooch will always look perfect on any outfit. Stock# ES9052 Maker: Willis & Sons. Circa: 1910 $1,950
$1,950.00 Add to cart
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Rare antique early Australian Albert chain made in 15 carat gold
Many people now wear an Albert chain or fob watch chain as they are also known as around the neck, however the Albert chain was originally designed to hold a pocket watch to a gents waistcoat. However when men put down their pocket watches in place of the “new” wrist watches at the turn of the 20th century, after a while women started to wear these around their neck, where they are more commonly worn today. And here is a truly exceptional antique Albert chain that is up there with the very best of them. To begin with, it was made in 15 carat gold in the late 1800's, when many were made in 9 carat gold. England and Australia used 15 carat for a relatively short time, and the colour of 15 carat gold quite often sits between a warm rose with a hint of yellow to it, giving it an amazing warm glow. The colour of this Albert is so beautiful and looks even more amazing when around the neck. Then there is the length and design of the links. It is quite common to find original antique ones too short to fit comfortably around the neck, whereas this one measures an impressive 45.3cm and is all original on both sides without any additional links being added, making this the perfect length to comfortably sit around the neck. The design of the links are so beautiful, making this one Albert chain that will always be admired every time that it is worn. And finally this has one more exciting feature - a very rare and special Australian hallmark on the tee bar. Stamped with the early Australian system of a 15 and the hung sheep to denote 15 carat gold, it is also stamped with the letter "S" and a very rare swan. Very likely to be made by a jeweller from Perth, Western Australia, this really is a wonderful feature to complete this as a remarkable antique Albert chain. Combine all of this with such an incredible design, length and colour of gold, then you truly have an exceptional, unique and exciting piece of antique Australian jewellery to wear around your neck. Stock# ES9810 Circa: 1890 $9,850
$9,850.00 Add to cart
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Antique pendant and brooch by Duggin, Shappere & Co
Duggin, Shappere & Co were one of Australia's most well known and respected jewellers producing some truly beautiful pieces of jewellery, and here is a very versatile piece of theirs that dates from the early 1900's and can so easily be worn as either a pendant or a brooch. Made in 15 carat gold and set with seed pearls in such an attractive design that is highlighted further by noticing that the seed pearls in the crescent section, graduate so elegantly in size. Measuring 35.8mm across, when it is worn as a pendant it measures 46.2mm or when the detachable bail at the top is removed and then worn as a brooch, it measures 37.5mm. And removing the bail is simply a matter of sliding the piece out of the attached hole on the back of the main piece so when it is worn as a brooch this piece 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. With the 15 carat gold having such a lovely colour to it, combined with being such an attractive design that is so versatile in how you choose to wear it, this antique pendant and brooch will always be the perfect piece to wear. Stock# ES9298 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1910 $1,800
$1,800.00 Add to cart
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Antique kookaburra, map of Australia and wishbone brooch by Willis
Here is such a beautiful brooch that highlights Australia so well with a map of Australia as well as a wonderful kookaburra both set inside a wishbone. Made in 9 carat yellow gold by one of Australia’s most famous early jewellers, Willis and Sons in the early 1900’s, the brooch measures 31.5mm across by 19.3mm and will look wonderful on any outfit where it will no doubt always be admired and smiled upon. So charming and full of character, this is a wonderful piece of early Australian jewellery that depicts Australia so beautifully. Stock# ES9328 Maker: Willis and Sons Circa: 1910 $850
$850.00 Add to cart
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Antique pearl set bangle made in 15 carat gold by Aronson and Co
The crescent design is often seen in antique jewellery and here is a very attractive antique bangle that displays the crescent design in such a beautiful way with seed pearls. Made by one of Australia’s most famous early jewellers, Aronson & Co in the early 1900’s, the bangle was made in 15 carat gold and measures17.8mm wide at the crescent section and 4.4mm wide at the back. But it is not just the design that is the main feature of this bangle, it is also the beautiful design of the bangle being made as a triple design bangle with the crescent and additional seed pearl sections joining it all together. With the open work design that not only looks so attractive, this open work design makes it stand out even further when set against the skin. Being hinge allows it to sit nice and close to the wrist, and fitted with a safety chain this is a wonderful piece of early Australian jewellery that is as attractive today as when it was made over a century ago. Stock# ES9806 Maker: Aronson and Co Circa: 1910 $3,350
$3,350.00 Add to cart
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Antique early Australian brooch attributed to Lamborn and Wagner
Here is a very beautiful and just as rare antique brooch made by one of Australia's earliest and most influential jewellers. Dating from the 1870's, the work, style and design are all typical of the work produced by Lamborn and Wagner. With a style reminiscent of Australian flora, the brooch was made in 15 carat gold and measures 56.5mm across by 58.1mm and makes such a statement when worn with its beautiful rich colour, design and gemstones. At the bottom of the brooch sits an aquamarine and at the top is an emerald that both work so well in adding an extra delicate amount of colour to an already very beautiful and impressive brooch. A real piece of Australian history that can be worn, this brooch is as beautiful and special today as when it was made. Stock# ES9618 Maker: Lamborn and Wagner (Attributed) Circa: 1870 $5,800
$5,800.00 Add to cart
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Rare vintage Rhoda Wager brooch in gold and silver
Rhoda Wager was a very influential jeweller in Australia between the 1920's and the 1940's and with most of her jewellery being made in silver, it is both exciting and wonderful to find a signed Rhoda Wager brooch in both sterling silver and gold. Measuring 43.6mm across by 26.8mm, the size alone of this brooch makes it sure to always be noticed, and with not only the fabulous style that is so indicative of her work, the large carnelian in the centre truly stands out perfectly against the silver and gold. It is this wonderful work on the sides that makes her jewellery so distinct and sought after, and her use of gold in this brooch leads to not only a very skilled hand, but a piece that was made towards the end of her career when she had both the talent and skill to combine silver and gold. Finding a signed piece by her in gold and silver is truly exciting and makes it not only a wonderful brooch, but a fabulous piece of Australian jewellery. Day or night, this brooch will always stand out and be such a wonderful talking piece making any woman who wears this, very proud indeed. Stock# ES9733 Maker: Rhoda Wager Circa: 1940 $2,900
$2,900.00 Add to cart
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Antique aquamarine and pearl bangle by Duggin, Shappere & Co
This bangle is so beautiful and elegant that there is little doubt that it will always be admired every time that it is worn, and on top of this, it was made by one of Australia's most famous and prolific jewellers, Duggin, Shappere & Co. Made in 15 carat gold at the start of the 20th Century, the bangle was made in 15 carat gold which has such a beautiful warm tone to it that emphasises the gorgeous colour of the aquamarine as well as the pearls. The design is typical of early Australian jewellery of the era and the pearls are set in such a gorgeous way that looks amazing on the wrist. With the aquamarine displaying such a beautiful colour that stands out day or night, as well as made by one of Australia's most famous jewellers, this is a magnificent bangle that will always be loved and cherished. Stock# ES9606 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1900 $4,950
$4,950.00 Add to cart
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Antique amethyst and seed pearl necklace by Joseph Lawrence
The colour of the amethyst combined with the charming seed pearls and the design of the necklace, all comes together to create a gorgeous necklace that looks as beautiful today as when it was made over 110 years ago. Made in 9 carat rose gold that compliments both the amethysts and the seed pearls perfectly, the design is just so wonderful to admire from near or far and will be the perfect necklace to wear to any occasion. Laid out from end to end, the necklace measures 49cm and from the pearl set section at the top to the lowest amethyst, this distance measures 4.5cm. The design allows it to sit so elegantly around the neck with each of the side amethysts sitting marginally higher than the centre one, and the length of the necklace lets it fall and sit perfectly across the neckline. Made by Joseph Lawrence, an early Australian jeweller, not only is this necklace so beautiful, but made by one of Australia's early jewellers makes it that much more exciting. Stock# ES9683 Maker: Joseph Lawrence Circa: 1910 $1,850
$1,850.00 Add to cart
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Antique ruby and pearl bangle made by Francis Flint in the early 1900’s
Early Australian jewellery is becoming so collectable and sought after in recent years, and here is a very rare antique bangle that was made by Francis Flint in the early 1900's. Francis Flint was one of the very few jewellers to make jewellery from Tasmania where he set up his workshop, and combine this with the beautiful bangle that he made here, then this becomes even more exciting. Made in 15 carat gold in the early 1900's, the design is typical of the late Victorian and early Edwardian pieces incorporating a crescent moon in the design. With a vibrant ruby in the centre that works perfectly with the white pearls and soft tone of the gold, this bangle looks absolutely spectacular on the wrist and is perfect for any occasion. Measuring 13.1mm wide at the centre and 7.5mm wide at the back, the bangle is fitted with a safety chain for added security. Still in wonderful condition even well after 100 years have passed since being made, this antique ruby and pearl bangle is just wonderful to wear and admire. Stock# ES9605 Maker: Francis Flint Circa: 1900 $4,400
$4,400.00 Add to cart