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Antique Australian 15ct Rose Gold ‘Minerva’ Cameo by Larard Bros Circa 1900

Sale price$1,300.00 AUD

Laybys welcome! Contact Us today to secure your dream piece.
We are thrilled to offer a rare piece of Australian history by Larard Bros - 1874-1945.
Constructed around the turn of the century from lush rich 15ct rose gold and mounted with quite a rare depiction of Minerva in the form of a cameo from, we believe, Male King Helmet Shell (Cassis Tuberosa).

Finely carved and mounted with Larards infamous hallmark to the verso, this rare and wonderful piece is a must for any serious Australian antique jewellery collector.

Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom. She was also the goddess of trade, the arts, and strategy in war. Her domains included medicine, poetry, and handicrafts as well. ... After Athena began to influence Minerva, her symbol became the owl, which today continues to represent wisdom.

She is often depicted with her sacred creature, an owl usually named as the ‘owl of Minerva’  which symbolised her association with wisdom and knowledge.

STONES
Cameo

MEASUREMENTS
3.5cm x 2.7cm

WEIGHT
6.61 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for Larard Bros
‘Star with a Bar’ / 15 ‘ ‘Hanging Fleece’ M.J.A Victoria guarantee mark

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition.  Original C clasp and metal pin to verso.  No cracks or chips to Cameo. Frame in excellent condition. Quite immaculate condition.

History of Larard

Founded in 1874 as Larard and Son, the business was renamed, 'Larard Bros' in 1882 with operations residing at 42 Little Collins Street East. 

Larard Bros were manufacturing jewellers, importers, wholesalers and their inventory included rings of all descriptions, muff chains, medals and diamond mountings were a specialty.
Members of the Victorian M.J.A. from its inception in 1889.
Their mark “Five pointed Star with a Bar” was used in conjunction with the M.J.A. stamps.