Wonderful antique Australian bangle dating to around the turn of the century circa 1910 and crafted by one of our early jewellers - J.M. Wendt, Wendts (1854 - circa end of the 19th century).

Crafted from 15ct rose gold and modelled as an oval hinged bangle and set with a central natural oval Ruby measuring approximately 3.8mm x 3.4mm or 0.20ct, four bead claw set in a square flush mount.  Flanking the Ruby are two old brilliant-cut diamonds of approximately 1.7mm each or 0.04pts in total, also four bead claw set in square flush mounts.

The rear side of the bangle in inscribed with the initials ‘L K’ in ye olde script.

Stamped with Wendts stamp ‘J.M.W’ and 15ct.

Measuring 8.3mm wide and weighing a substantial 15.7 grams this fine antique piece of Australiana is perfect for the jewellery connoisseur/collector.

STONES
Diamonds
x2 Brilliant-cut Diamonds
Clarity VS approx
Colour F/G
Approximately 1.7 mm each or 0.02ct each = 0.04pts

Ruby
x1 Brilliant- Cut Thailand type Ruby
Approximately 3.8mm x 3.4mm = 20pts

MEASUREMENTS
8.3mm Wide
Across internal diameter - 5.9mm x 5.0mm
Internal circumference 16 1/2cm

WEIGHT
15.7 Grams

MARKS
15CT
J.M.W. For Joachim Matthias Wendt

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  No chips to Ruby or diamonds, claws to each original and secure.  No dents front or back, miniscule marks to gold only.  Clasp works perfectly and securely, original safety chain also present.  In our opinion a jeweller had polished this bangle to almost look ‘new’.. it will take on a richer 15ct patina again with time.  Beautiful antique bangle

Please ask to view a copy of the independent valuation if desired.  The physical certificate will be included with the purchase.  Independent Insurance Valuation for $4,500 AUD.

HISTORY OF JAOCHIM WENDT

Wendts Jewellers Pty Ltd, whose wares were marked with the word WENDT, J.M.W, J.M. WENDT, and sometimes with a monarch’s head and a crown.

Jaochim Wendt was Danish-born, but emigrated to Port Adelaide in 1854. Within a year he had become a naturalised Briton, and he soon became well-known as a quality watchmaker, gold and silver smith and jeweller.

 In 1867 he was appointed jeweller to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh; by this time his staff included 12 silversmiths, along with watch makers, jewellers and shop assistants.

As one of the leading retail establishments of Adelaide, Wendt also displayed much imported jewellery and silver ware.  However it is the locally produced jewellery that is of particular interest.  Descriptions of their jewellery in the Exhibition Catalogues of the 1860’s ad 1870’s were sparse.  A number of gold and malachite brooches were shown at the Intercolonial Exhibition, Melbourne, in 1866.  Their colonial jewellery in gold,  displayed at the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879, was reported as showing excellence and Wendt was awarded a First Degree of Merit for Jewellery and Silverware.

The Wendt's fine quality work was put to excellent use when for the visit of Queen Elizabeth 11 and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1954, a necklace and earrings were produced for the Queen, and  a set of cufflinks for the Duke.

Wendt died in 1917, after his son and stepson had joined the business in 1903. He is buried at Main North Road Cemetery.  Some of his most famous works of jewellery can be seen at the Art Gallery of South Australia as well as public and private works around the country.

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