Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.

A magnificent antique Australian piece of jewellery dating to the early 20th century 1900-1915.

We believe this pendant necklace began its life as a typical Jobot pin with a swag chain attached, but at some time has had a long chain attached allowing it to be worn as the superb piece you see today.

The Jabot is hallmarked for manufacture by Willis & Sons and crafted from 9ct rose hued gold, and set with a series of striking oval and round solid white Opals with a dark body tone and wonderful play of colour with flashes of blues, greens, yellows and striking flashes of red.  A long example at 9cm and the ‘Arrow’ tip fitting securely in to the pin for security.

The chain is fully hallmarked for manufacture by Aronson & Co., is a more yellow carat gold however the Jabot and chain blend together seamlessly.

Measuring a very wearable 44cm which will fit most neck circumferences, and skims the décoletté beautifully.

An impressive antique Australian piece, in stunningly good condition, ready to wear and impress.

STONES
Opal x 10 oval and round solid white Opal cabochons N7
Estimated in settings 1.80ct

MEASUREMENTS
Neck circumference - 44cm
Jabot - 9cm length - 2cm wide at hilt

WEIGHT
7.97 Grams

MARKS
Hallmarked to Jabot for manufacture by Willis and Sons - ‘Unicorn / 9 / Wheatsheaf - used before 1904
Hallmarked to a raised cartouche for manufacture by Aronson & Co. - ‘Flag’ / 9 / Wheatsheaf

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition.  

HISTORY OF ARONSON & CO.

Aronson & Co. was the successor of Rosenthal, Aronson and Co. founded in 1878.
David Rosenthal, taking advantage of the opportunities that were to flow from the gold discoveries in Victoria in 1851, had built up a considerable wholesale jewellery and importing business in Melbourne during the 1860’s and 1870’s.

In 1874 David Rosenthal’s business became ‘David Rosenthal and Co., of 15 Collins Street West. The ‘and Co.’ was Saul Philip Aronson who was listed as a partner in 1876.

in 1878 George Alfred Aronson joined the partnership. The firm became Rosenthal, Aronson and Co.

From 1889 to 1892 they were listed at 362 little Collins Street. In 1893 they moved to 275-281 Lonsdale Street Melbourne. Along with their Australian departments they also had offices in London.

By 1898 they were also trading at 97 Queen Street, Brisbane.

At some stage unknown to us, there were four brothers involved in the business….Saul, George, Norman, and Frederick Aronson!

In 1900 the various partnership arrangements involving the four brothers were dissolved.  By 1902 the Australian operations were incorporated as Aronson and Co. Pty Ltd at 297-299 Little Collins street Melbourne.  The newly formed company advertised as manufacturing jewellers and importers. The established wholesaling operation in Sydney and Brisbane were continued, and a branch was opened in Adelaide in 1912.

The Aronsons closed their manufactory in the midst of the Great Depression in 1930. 
Norman Aronson had retired in 1927 having spent 53 years in the trade.
Aronson and Co. continued to operate as wholesalers and importers in Sydney until 1947.

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