Early Australian jewellery has become so sought after and so extremely collectable in recent years, and here is a very exciting early Australian antique brooch that is attributed to Alfred Lorking.
So typical of his work in not only the style, but the detail, form as well as the use of natural pearls makes this such a wonderful example of his work.
Alfred Lorking was a Sydney jeweller who operated between 1853 to 1859 making his pieces not only one some of the oldest pieces of Australian jewellery, but also exceedingly hard to find.
Made in 15 carat gold, the brooch measures 41.2mm across by 35mm and has a wonderful border reminiscent of a trunk with grape leaves inside as well as the “grapes†consisting entirely of natural pearls. With such a stunning effect now created, this comes together harmoniously to create such a fabulous brooch that is exciting to admire from near or far.
This is truly an exciting piece of Australia’s history that can be worn with such pride.
Stock# ES9617
Maker: Alfred Lorking (Attributed)
Circa: 1855
$Sold.
Out of stock
Early Australian gold and natural pearl brooch attributed to Alfred Lorking
Alfred Lorking (1825-1883) was a jeweller who was making jewellery in his premises at 165 George Street Sydney for a relatively short period from 1853 to 1859. His work is quite distinct and large incorporating both Australian flora as well as natural pearls. These pearls would have originated from either Shark Bay in Western Australia or Moreton Bay in Queensland. After research, we believe that the pearls in this brooch would be from Moreton Bay as the Shark Bay pearls (Pinctada Alibina) were harvested from the 1850’s and peaked in the 1870’s and Moreton Bay pearls (Pinctada Saccostrea) although used in jewellery a few years before, became a major source of natural pearls in the 1850’s when Alfred Lorking was making jewellery.
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