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

Presenting so rarely to the market, we have the opportunity to offer this superb antique Australian Emerald ring by the iconic firm of Willis and Sons 1858-1930’s.

Designed as a timeless and coveted half hoop, crafted from 18ct yellow gold, and set with five slightly graduated natural Emeralds of Columbian origin, each in individual settings and an exquisite carved under gallery, to shoulders with cross hatch detailing and a solid half round shank.

The Emeralds are striking.. vivid, intensely green and the rich 18ct yellow gold compliments them to perfection.

Hallmarked with Willis and Sons iconic ‘Unicorn’ symbol, 18 for 18ct gold, and the ‘Sailing Ship’ symbol used by members of the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria guarantee mark for 18ct gold.

“The Manufacturing Jewellers' Association of Victoria was founded in 1889, with William Davis, whose firm, William Davis & Son (Jewellers), continues in business in Melbourne today, as one of its founder members.

The Association’s objectives were noted as 'To maintain the standards of quality of the goods made by its members.' and 'To assist the Government as far as possible in enforcing the provisions of the “Trade Mark Act.” Protecting the Retailer and the Public against fraud in the manufacture of Jewellery.'

The gold wares produced by the members of The Manufacturing Jewellers' Association of Victoria were marked with the maker's mark, plus a numeral and device to denote the gold standard”.

An unusual and rare piece of Australian history in a style which has spanned the eras, set with Emeralds no less.. this divine piece of Australian history is a must for the serious collector.

STONES
Emeralds  - Natural Columbian (Assessed by our gemologist)
3 x approximately 5mm each
2 x approximately 2.1mm each

MEASUREMENTS
Spread across finger east to west - 1.6cm
Width - 5mm
Rise - 3.6mm

WEIGHT
3.46 Grams

ERA
1890-1900

MARKS
‘Unicorn’ symbol used by Willis and Sons
’18’ for 18ct gold
‘Sailing ship’ - Manufacturing Jewellers of Victoria guarantee mark 

SIZE
M 1/2 or 16.9mm diameter US 61/2 
Could be resized up 3-4, down 2-3 with any competent jeweller. 

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  A remarkable ring by Willis and Sons, no repairs no previous resize, hallmarks legible.  The Emeralds are bright and vivid, some minor facet softening/marks seen only under x10 loupe magnification, well set and secure.  The claws are original and covering the Emeralds very well.  A stunning piece of early Australian jewellery.

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