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 boulder opal ring made in the early 1900’s and set in rose gold
Boulder opals have such an intense, deep colour to them that make them fascinating to look at, and this one is absolutely mesmerising and combined with the rose gold setting, guarantees that it will always be loved and admired. Hand made in 15 carat gold in the early 1900's, the colour of the rose gold has such a warm colour to it that compliments the opal perfectly. With a nice clean and smooth bezel supporting the opal, the design of the ring will surprise many when they discover that it is well over 100 years old, yet it still looks as modern and contemporary today as when it was made. Measuring 9.1mm across and fitted on a lovely smooth band, this ring is so comfortable to wear all the time where it will always be admired. Stock# ES9807 Circa: 1910 $2,200
$2,200.00 Add to cart
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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Over a century ago, the Albert chain was originally made for a man to attach his pocket watch at one end to fit into waistcoat, with the tee bar in the centre button holes.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 (On hold P)
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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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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 ( Hold J.B)
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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 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
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Antique demantoid garnet and rose cut diamond brooch
Duggin, Shappere & Co were one of Australia's most well known early jewellers of the early 20th Century, and this brooch is typical of their elegant work that was produced by them. Made in the early 1900's in 15 carat gold, the brooch is set with the rare green demantoid garnets. While most people know the common garnet that comes in a lovely deep rich burgundy-red colour, many are surprised to learn that garnets come in a range of other colours from purple, orange and finally to the rarest of them all, the green demantoid garnet such as what is set into this brooch. Set with the demantoid garnet in the centre, it is highlighted with two rose cut diamonds that sparkle beautifully and highlight the gorgeous garnet. The design of the brooch itself is so wonderful and very unique in that along the left hand side, there is a twist section on the top, which is on the bottom on the right hand side, and conversely, the scroll work on the bottom part on the left side, it repeated on the top on the right side. Then the piece in the centre on the left side is turned up, while this is turned down on the other side. All of this makes it even more interesting and wonderful to admire from near or far. Measuring 52.9mm across by 14.5mm, the brooch will sit so well on any outfit where it will no doubt always be admired. Stock# ES9625 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1900 $1,550
$1,550.00 Add to cart