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
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Antique gold brooch made from the fibres of feathers
Here is a truly incredible antique brooch that is not just of a bird, but was made by using the fine iridescent fibres from actual bird feathers, resulting in a truly amazing and unique piece. Made in the 1860's in 18 carat yellow gold, the bird in the centre was painstakingly made by using individual fibres from bird feathers to create the bird in such amazing detail. The time that would have been needed to create this would have no doubt been immense and stands out even more set against the lovely sepia background with the gorgeous floral designs. Even the border is so beautiful with its scalloped edges and measures 57.1mm across by 49.8mm and on any outfit, there is no doubt that this brooch will always be loved and admired. Truly exceptional and unique, this is a spectacular antique brooch like no other. Stock# ES9458 Circa: 1860 $2,300
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Arts and Crafts era antique moonstone brooch made in the early 1900’s
The Arts and Crafts movement coincided with late Victorian and early Edwardian era, but has a style different to both as well as having more symmetry when compared to Art Nouveau jewellery of the same period, and here is a very beautiful antique moonstone brooch that sits perfectly on an outfit and will always look so elegant and get the attention that it rightly deserves every time that it is worn. Made in 15 carat gold in the early 1900's, the brooch measures 52.5mm by 19mm and is set with five wonderful pieces of moonstone that have such a wonderful milky tone to them. With such a natural floral design around the border, this work is also typical of early Australian jewellery work of the time and no matter where or when this brooch is worn, it will certainly always be appreciated for its beauty and elegance. Stock #ES9325 Circa: 1900 $1,650
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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
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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 $Sold.
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 $Sold
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
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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
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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
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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 $Sold
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 $Sold.
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
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