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This exquisite Antique Edwardian Australian 9ct Rose Gold Opal Specimen ‘Jabot’ Pin, crafted by Willis and Sons, is a stunning example of early 20th-century jewellery artistry.

 Measuring 7cm in length, this piece is a beautifully designed Arrowhead Jabot pin adorned with the top featuring a ‘glass’ (heavy early resin) dome filled with Opal  specimen chips that catch the light with a mesmerising play-of-colour. 

The pin is complemented by a delicate chain, adding to its elegant and versatile appeal, and could be easily removed and a antique chain added easily to convert this piece into a splendid antique necklace.

Crafted from 9ct rose gold, the pin bears the distinctive ‘Unicorn’ symbol, the ‘9’ hallmark for 9ct gold, and the ‘W’ mark, all indicative of Willis and Sons' craftsmanship, with the ‘W’ specifically used after 1904 when the business was incorporated as Willis & Sons Pty. Ltd.

This piece is in excellent antique condition, with the arrowhead fitting securely onto the pin and no chips or damage to the Opal specimen head.

Entirely original with no repairs, the hallmarks remain clear and crisp, preserving its authenticity and historical value.

STONES
Opal chips

MEASUREMENTS
7cm Long

WEIGHT
2.77 Grams

MARKS
‘Unicorn’ - symbol used by Willis and Sons
‘9’ - For 9ct gold
‘W’ - Used by Willis and Sons after 1904

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition. Arrow head fits and secures on to pin very tightly.  No chips or damage to specimen head.  All original, no repairs.  Hallmarks clear.  A wonderful and unusual piece by Willis and Sons.. could be converted very easily into a necklace with the simple addition of a chain.

HISTORY OF WILLIS AND SONS

Originally established in Melbourne in 1858, the partnership between brothers Richard & Thomas Willis is remembered as one of Australia's most renowned jewellery partnerships that would span decades.

By 1868, R. & T. Willis were listed in the Melbourne directory as manufacturing jewellers as well as importers.  In London, they were also recorded as V.J Manufacturing jewellers, the partnership being dissolved in 1874. By 1875, the firm was T. Willis and Co., under the control of Thomas and V.J. Willis.

Willis and Co. continued to trade as wholesaler jewellers and importers of watches, clocks, silver and electroplates wares. Additionally, the firm was listed as gold and silversmiths.

T.Willis and Co. were members of the M.J.A of Victoria, and in the 1890s used their mark of the 'Unicorn' in conjunction with the guarantee stamp of the Association. The Unicorn was derived from the Willis family crest. 

The twentieth century marks of Willis and Sons Pty Ltd have been in use from 1904. By then their standard marks were 'Unicorns' a numeral expressing the gold standard plus the capital 'W'. The 'Unicorn' was also used with the abbreviation 'STG.SIL' to mark silverware.

For some 50 years after the closure of their manufactory, the company continued to trade as wholesaler jewellers, manufacturers, agents and importers. Arguably, their mantle as leading jewellery manufacturers in Australia was taken over in the 1930s by G. & E. Rodd. 

Credit: Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks. Cavill, Cocks & Grace