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 sword and seed pearl brooch made by Willis in 15 carat gold
Here is a wonderfully large antique sword brooch made by one of Australia's earliest and most prolific jewellers, Willis in the early 1900's. Made in 15 carat yellow gold, the sword design is set with a pearl set lyre in the centre that is also set with charming seed pearls which is then all highlighted by the chain suspended below. Measuring an extra long than normal brooch length of 74.4mm by 19.6mm, or 23.3mm to the bottom of the chain suspended below, this brooch looks truly amazing on and will no doubt always be admired every time that it is worn. Not only is it made by a famous Australian jeweller, but it is just as beautiful and elegant today as when it was made. Stock# ES9626 Maker: Willis Circa: 1910 $1,850
$1,850.00 Add to cart
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Antique boulder opal necklace made in the early 1900’s
Here is an exceptional antique boulder opal necklace that looks as beautiful today as when it was made. Boulder opals were first discovered in 1869 and have the very distinct and beautiful appearance of having their solid ironstone host material either set behind the opal or amazingly running through the opal as can be seen here in these one set into the necklace. Made in the early 1900's in 9 carat gold, the necklace is set with five boulder opals that lead down to the centre where there is a further boulder opal suspended from the bottom. The spectral colours are so beautiful to admire and showcase why boulder opals are so highly prized and desired, and day or night there is no doubt that it will always be admired. And it is not just the opals that are amazing as the setting itself is so beautiful to see. The elegant setting is so beautiful and adds so much charm and character to the necklace. Laid out from end to end, the necklace measures 43cm in length and from one end opal across to the other side, this distance measures 14.9cm with the drop itself measuring 4.5cm in length. Sitting perfectly on the neckline, this antique boulder opal necklace is one that is destined to always get the attention that it rightly deserves. Stock# ES9630 Circa: 1910 $6,200
$6,200.00 Add to cart
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Vintage Rhoda Wager brooch set with a mabe pearl
Here is a truly amazing and completely original vintage brooch made by one of Australia's most famous jewellers, Rhoda Wager. Rhoda Wager was one of Australia’s leading jewellers of the early 20th century, producing beautiful pieces often in silver that had a very natural flowing style as can be seen here in this brooch. Made in sterling silver and measuring 52mm in length by 10.8mm wide at the, it is set with mabe pearl in the centre. Also known as blister pearls, these are produced as a section of the oyster shell itself, rather than from an irritant inside the oyster which produces a traditional pearl. With beautiful flowing detail on each side that is so typical of her work, the reverse side has her stamp "Wager". Fitted with a safety chain for added security, this is a wonderful piece of Australian jewellery that is becoming so highly sought after. Stock# U154 Maker: Rhoda Wager Circa: 1930 $1,800
$1,800.00 Add to cart
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Antique turquoise and seed pearl bangle designed with a sparrow
Here is a very beautiful antique bangle that was not only made by an early Australian maker, but has a gorgeous swallow set into its design. Made by the jewellers Aronson and Co in the early 1900's in 15 carat gold, on the front is a delightful swallow set with seed pearls. This adds so much character to the bangle and makes it so much more unique and special and with further seed pearls set into the bangle which are then highlighted by turquoise, there is little doubt that this bangle will always be appreciated for both its beauty and elegance. Measuring 12.3mm wide at the centre, the bangle tapers down to 5.7mm wide at the back and being hinged allows it to sit nice and close to the wrist. With a safety chain for extra security, this bangle is perfect for any occasion. Stock# ES9608 Maker: Aronson & Co Circa: 1910 $4,250
$4,250.00 Add to cart
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Antique aquamarine and seed pearl necklace made in the early 1900’s
This antique necklace was made in the early 1900's and is set with the most delicate soft blue colour aquamarines that look so beautiful set amongst the seed pearls in the wonderful design that will always be admired. Made in 9 carat gold, the necklace is typical of the work by the early Australian jewellers of this era. The way the two pear cut aquamarines at the bottom go to one side gives this necklace such a fluid and naturalistic look to it, even though the two stems coming down are fixed. Each set with charming seed pearls in a petal design with a further aquamarine at the top of each, set amongst the scroll design at the top are more aquamarines and seed pearls. And then with a final aquamarine at each end leading to the chain, this section from each end aquamarine across to the other measures 6.1cm across by 6.8cm from the top scroll to the lowest aquamarine. Fitted on a 45.5cm chain, this allows the aquamarine and pearl section to sit perfectly on the neckline where it will always stand out and look so beautiful. Stock# ES9527 Circa: 1910 $3,350
$3,350.00 Add to cart
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Antique peridot and pearl brooch/pendant by Duggin, Shappere & Co
Here is a versatile piece of jewellery that can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant and was made by one of Australia's most famous jewellers of the late 19th to early 20th century, Duggin, Shappere & Co. Made in 15 carat gold in the Edwardian era in the early 1900's, this wonderful piece is set with two peridots which was Prince Edward VII lucky stone making it popular during his reign. The combination of peridots and pearls works so well together and combined with the design of the piece gives it such an elegant and regal look to it. Measuring 31.1mm across, when it is worn as a pendant it measures 50.7mm or when the detachable bail at the top is removed and then worn as a brooch, it measures 31.1mm. 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 such an elegant look to it, this will make any woman feel like royalty when she wears it no matter which way she chooses. Stock# U176 Maker: Duggin, Shappere & Co Circa: 1900 $1,950
$1,950.00 Add to cart
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Rare early Australian antique cameo brooch of Athena
In Greek mythology, Athena was the daughter of Zeus and was the Goddess of Wisdom, and here is a truly exceptional early Australian cameo brooch depicting Athena. Dating from the 1860's, there are two wonderful features of this brooch. Firstly there is the exceptional quality of the hand carving of Athena, and the closer you get, the more detail you will see which is a true testament to the quality of the carver of this cameo, especially as it was done well over a century ago. More than likely this was hand carved in Italy, the home of all the master carvers of shell cameo and with so much intricate detail, that gets even more impressive the closer you get to it . The cameo itself measures 50.7mm by 42.5mm and will captivate all who see it from near or far. And secondly there is the fabulous mount that it is set into. Made in 15 carat gold, not only is the work typical of early Australian jewellery that is so sought after with the grape designs on each side along with the leaf pattern, but at the top is an emu which stands so proudly. This mount is truly one of the finest early Australian ones that you will ever find and a wonderful and exciting piece. Measuring 73mm by 60mm this is not only so incredibly rare to find, but just as incredibly beautiful and a real treasure not to just admire, but to wear as well. Stock# ES9357 Circa: 1865 $7,250
$7,250.00 Add to cart
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Antique pearl drop necklace made by Duggin, Shappere and Co
This antique necklace is so elegant and sits perfectly on the neckline where it will always be admired and appreciated for its beauty and elegance and is all the more special as it was made by one of Australia's most highly regarded early jewellers Duggin, Shappere and Co. Made in 15 carat gold in the early 1900's, the cluster of pearls at the bottom is so elegant and refined and even the "stem" leading to the top has been beautifully set with pearls that lead to the very top section where there is yet another grouping of pearls. The soft colour of the gold is a perfect match for the pearls, making this such a subtle yet elegant piece of jewellery to wear with pride. Measuring 41.5cm when laid out from end to end, the drop section measures 5.9cm and is perfect to wear all the time, especially for that special occasion. As beautiful and elegant today as when it was made over 100 years ago, this necklace will always be loved and admired. Stock #ES9352 Maker: Duggin, Shappere and Co Circa: 1910 $3,650
$3,650.00 Add to cart
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Rare antique Australian sterling silver centrepiece made in 1870 attributed to Julius Schomburgk.
Antique Australian silver work is so rare and hard to come by, and here is an exceptional quality antique sterling silver centre piece that showcases so much of Australia in one piece. Made in 1870 and attributed to the highly skilled silversmith, Julius Schomburgk, this magnificent centrepiece measures an astonishing 60cm tall by 18cm wide at the base. With an Aboriginal man at the bottom and one further up the tree fern they are hunting a goanna. The detail in this piece is just extraordinary and the glass bowl is beautifully etched with egrets and flowers, with the top trumpet finial. This is such an exciting piece to admire and is truly museum quality and rarity. At the front it is hand engraved with "To Papa & Mamma on their Silver Wedding Day from their Children and Grandchildren 14th August 1870" which adds such a beautiful personal touch to this already exceptional piece. Early Australian sterling silver pieces have long been hard to come by, and this piece is breathtaking from every angle that you look at it. Stock# ES9284 Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk Circa: 1870 $32,500
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Antique ruby and diamond brooch locket made in the 1870’s
The design of this antique brooch is so beautiful and will look so elegant on any outfit day or night, and has the added advantage of being able to be used as a locket that is set into the back. Made in 18 carat yellow gold in the 1870's, the brooch measures 47.2mm across by 34.4mm and has such a lovely rich golden yellow colour to it combined with an elegant scroll design on all sides. In the centre are five antique European cut diamonds that come together to total 0.32 carats and two lovely vibrant rubies that total 0.12 carats. Perfect for any occasion, this is typical of the elegance of mid-Victorian jewellery from when this was made. Stock# ES9320 Circa: 1870 $3,250
$3,250.00 Add to cart
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Hand made Art Deco engagement solitaire diamond ring
There is so much charm and character in this engagement ring that can only be achieved by making it by hand that also makes it so much more unique and special than a ring that has been CAD designed on a computer and then made in a wax mould. Made in 18 carat yellow gold and platinum towards the end of the Art Deco period in the 1940's by the Australian jewellery company Saunders, the detail from every angle of this ring is just so beautiful to admire and will make any woman proud to wear it on her finger. Set with a round brilliant cut diamond in the centre that measures 0.18 carats, the incredible scroll work surrounding this ring wil have you admiring it from every angle. Still in wonderful condition, this is such a charming example of the detail and quality that can only be found in making a ring by hand during a wonderful era. Stock# ES9255 Maker: Saunders Circa: 1940 $1,850
$1,850.00 Add to cart
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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 tree fern 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 Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk Circa: 1870 $32,500
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