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/
Antique solid Australian opal ring in a beautiful setting
Made in the early 1900's, not only is this ring set with five beautiful solid white Australian opals, but the setting and design of the claws is so beautiful to admire.
Hand made in 18 carat yellow gold, the opals are complimented beautifully by the yellow gold and measures 7.2mm wide at the centre by 18.5mm across, and sits so well on the finger. Australian opals are rightly well regarded as the best in the world, and these opals still look so beautiful in this ring.
Then looking at the ring from the side shows the most wonderful setting that showcases how much attention was put into hand making this ring 120 years ago.
This ring will certainly have you admiring it from the top as well as the side and always be complimented on each time that it is worn.
Stock# ET433
Circa: 1900
$2,650
$2,650.00
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Antique enamel and pearl mourning locket by Hardy Bros in its original box
Here is a truly magnificent antique mourning locket made by one of Australia's earliest jewellery companies Hardy Bros, that is not only exquisite to admire and wear but still in exceptional condition even well after 100 years have passed since it was made.
Made in 18 carat yellow gold and onyx, the locket measures 40mm across by 45.5mm or 60.9mm to the top of the bail and is set with pearls in the most beautiful and poignant wreath shape. Inset with pearls that not only add to the charm and character of the locket, but they stand out so well against the black. Every aspect of this locket is still in superb condition with absolutely no damage to the enamel or pearls which is a real testament to the quality of craftsmanship when this locket was made well over a century ago.
Able to hold two photos inside, to complete the package of this wonderful piece, it comes with its original fitted box that adds to the charm and allure of the locket even more.
This locket is an absolute treasure and in or out of its box is always something that will be treasured and admired.
Stock# ET397
Maker: Hardy Bros
Circa: 1910
$6,200
$6,200.00
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Antique opal and diamond bangle made in the early 1900’s
There is no gem stone more unique as an opal, and here is a very elegant antique opal and diamond bangle that sits and feels perfect on the wrist.
Made in 9 carat rose gold in the early 1900's, the bangle is set with three solid white Australian opals and highlighted by two European cut diamonds.
The way the top of the bangle tapers adds to the elegance of the bangle as does the twist worn along the edges and the detailing at each end.
Measuring 10.8mm wide at the centre, it tapers down to an elegant 5mm wide at the back, and being hinged will allow the bangle to sit comfortable and nice and close to the wrist.
Fitted with a safety chain for added security, this is a lovely example of an antique bangle that will be perfect for any occasion.
Stock# ES8742
Circa: 1910
$3,300
$3,300.00
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Antique Australian Albert chain made by Larard Brothers in the 1890’s
Designed in the Victoria era, the Albert chain was originally made for a man to attach his pocket watch at one end and to fit into his waistcoat, with the tee bar in the centre button holes. 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 regardless if this is worn in the traditional way, or as a necklace, there is no doubt that it will always be loved and admired.
Made by the early Australian jewellery company Larard Brothers, it was originally established as Larard and Sons in 1874 and then became Larard Brothers in 1881. Becoming known as one of the finest jewellers in Australia, this antique Albert chain made by them epitomises why they were so highly regarded and why pieces by them are sought after today.
Made in 9 carat rose gold, the colour of the gold has that wonderful warm tone that is only found with antique jewellery as opposed to the quite often very pink colour seen in modern rose gold of today. Combine the colour with the gorgeous designs of the links, and you have a piece that is exceptional to admire from near or far.
In superb condition, from end to end it measures 39.5cm in length allowing it to easily sit around the neck and it is also so comfortable to wear day or night.
As elegant and stylish today as when it was made, this antique Albert chain by one of Australia's leading early jewellers is such a wonderful find.
Stock# U250
Maker: Larard Brothers (Australia)
Circa: 1890
$4,200
$4,200.00
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Antique red paste necklace made by Angus & Coote in 15 carat gold
This antique necklace is set with such vibrant red paste in a beautiful design that will make sure that it is always admired from near or far every time that it is worn.
Made by the early Australian company, Angus and Coote in the early 1900's, this necklace was made in 15 carat gold, a carat of gold which is no longer used today. With a gorgeous soft and warm rose colour to the gold, this is accentuated by the red paste. Paste is a form of glass that has been used in jewellery since the 18th century, and is still used in modern jewellery today.
With such an elegant design, this is further highlighted by the charming natural seed pearls that compliment the entire necklace so perfectly.
Laid out from end to end, the necklace measures 47.5cm allowing it to sit so easily and comfortably around the neck.
A wonderful piece of not only antique jewellery, but Australian jewellery that will always be cherished.
Stock# U209
Maker: Angus & Coote
Circa: 1910
$1,400
$1,400.00
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Rare antique 15 carat gold Albert chain made by Stewart Dawson and Co
Over a century ago, the Albert chain was originally made for a man to attach his pocket watch at one end to fit into waistcoat, with the tee bar in the centre button holes. 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 this one here is wonderful for so many reasons.
Firstly it was made by the early Australian jeweller, Stewart Dawson & Co in the early 1900's. Early Australian jewellery is becoming so sought after and collectable and this one has his marks at each end near the swivels as well as on the tee bar.
Then there is the fact that it was made in 15 carat gold. 15 carat gold was used in England from 1854 until 1931 and Australia followed this same practice making 15 carat gold not only quite short lived, but also incredibly hard to find in an Albert chain. The colour of the gold sits somewhere between a yellow and rose gold, and when worn it achieves such a wonderful warm patina that looks magnificent around the neck.
Measuring 40cm in length makes it full length and comfortable to wear around the neck as many of these are either too short or have had links added to extend the chain, and not only this, but the links are lovely and solid and in superb condition. This Albert chain had very little wear in its life as the links are as good as anyone would ever wish to find.
15 carat gold, by an early Australian jeweller and in superb full length condition, all go to make this a very rare and perfect example of an antique Albert chain that is beautiful from every aspect.
Stock# U228
Maker: Stewart Dawson & Co
Circa: 1900
$10,800
$10,800.00
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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