This extraordinary piece is a slight mystery to us but what we do know that it is antique Australian with hallmarks to the verso of the Kookaburra for Aronson & Co. - 1878-1947.

Crafted in 9ct yellow gold throughout with the most stunning ‘Thistle’ themed wreath encircling the Kookaburra.  

Measuring a very large and impressive 6.4cm x 4.5cm not including the bale, which is also a generous size for your favourite chain.

We wonder if this piece is original and not a very early conversion?  Impossible to tell as there are only very slight indications of what may be the original joins of the ‘branch’ to the outer wreath, reinforcements perhaps? Or simply the original joins!

Regardless this is an exceptional piece of Australian history, the Wreath is also stamped with the early ‘9c’ stamps and with antique pieces such as this we always present the question ‘Where and when will you see another’?!

STONES
Turquoise
Half seed Pearl

MEASUREMENTS
6.4cm x 4.5cm Without bale

WEIGHT
10.7 Grams

MARKS
‘Flag’ for Aronson & Co / 9 / ‘Wheatsheaf’ M.J.A of Victoria guarantee mark for 9ct gold
9ct Twice also to top and bottom of oval section

CONDITION
Very good antique condition.  Rear of Thistle wreath are tiny circular indentations, these are too intentional in placement and structure to be ‘dents’ there fore are for some reason original to the manufacture.

Please note boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.
 
HISTORY OF ARONSON AND 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.

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