Antique Australian 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond ring By Willis and Sons/Retailed By T. Gaunt Circa 1915
History of Thomas Gaunt, T. Gaunt and Co. - East 1852-1855.
Born in London in 1829 and emigrating to Australia in around 1855, Thomas Gaunt opened his first business at Post Office corner Melbourne. In or around 1870 he moved to his well known corner shop in the Royal Arcade Bourke Street.
Goldsmiths, watchmakers and opticians but perhaps best known as clock and watchmakers, he is especially remembered for his large chronograph that was erected at Flemington Racecourse for the Victoria Racing Club. Used in conjunction for every race at Flemington for the purpose of recording the time, Mr Gaunt would occupy the judge’s box and in his capacity as timekeeper his records were near questioned. (http://Trove.nla.gov.au).
Becoming T. Gaunt and Co Pty Ltd in 1909 and continuing to trade until 1949 when Edments Ltd purchased the whole of the issued capital of T. Gaunt. There are indications in the literature that Angus and Coote took them over in 1979.
History of Willis and Sons
Brothers, Richard & Thomas Willis established their jewellery business in Melbourne in 1858 as importers and wholesalers, at the height of the gold rush in Australia, many family jewellery businesses took advantage of the new found wealth. By 1868, R. & T. Willis were listed in the Melbourne directory as manufacturing jewellers as well as importers.
In 1904, Willis and Co. was incorporated as Willis and Sons Pty Ltd. and were to become the prime manufacturer of gold jewellery in Australia through the 1910s and 20s. By 1908, they had constructed new premises, manufacture and warehouse, at 350-356 Little Collins Street Melbourne.
The twentieth century marks of Willis and Sons Pty Ltd have been in use from 1904. By then their standard marks were a 'Unicorn' a numeral expressing the gold standard plus the capital 'W'. The 'Unicorn' was also used with the abbreviation 'STG.SIL' to mark silverware.
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pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
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Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
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Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
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