Antique Australian 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond ring By Willis and Sons/Retailed By T. Gaunt Circa 1915
History of Thomas Gaunt, T. Gaunt and Co. - (1852- 1979)
T. Gaunt and Co., goldsmiths, watchmakers and opticians, was founded in Melbourne by Thomas Gaunt in 1852. In the early years the business was located in Little Bourke Street, then in 1867 the firm moved to a larger premises in Bourke Street which remained their location for over a century.
Thomas Gaunt was perhaps best known as a clock and watchmaker. He is especially remembered for his large chronograph that was erected at Flemington Racecourse for the Victoria Racing Club.
In 1892 Gaunt and Co. was acquired by F.WS. Heath. Heath had been a partner in T. Willis and Co., manufacturing jewellers of Melbourne.
In the late Victorian era Gaunt and Co. were producing stone-set jewellery and continued as manufacturing jewellers throughout the early decades of the present century.
From the turn of the century until 1979, when Gaunt and Co. were taken over by Angus and Coote Ltd, the company was noted for its production of ecclesiastical silverware.
The firm became T. Gaunt and Co. Pty Ltd in 1909.
History of Willis and Sons
Brothers, Richard & Thomas Willis established their jewellery business in Melbourne in 1858 as importers and wholesalers, at the height of the gold rush in Australia, many family jewellery businesses took advantage of the new found wealth. By 1868, R. & T. Willis were listed in the Melbourne directory as manufacturing jewellers as well as importers.
In 1904, Willis and Co. was incorporated as Willis and Sons Pty Ltd. and were to become the prime manufacturer of gold jewellery in Australia through the 1910s and 20s. By 1908, they had constructed new premises, manufacture and warehouse, at 350-356 Little Collins Street Melbourne.
The twentieth century marks of Willis and Sons Pty Ltd have been in use from 1904. By then their standard marks were a 'Unicorn' a numeral expressing the gold standard plus the capital 'W'. The 'Unicorn' was also used with the abbreviation 'STG.SIL' to mark silverware.
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We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
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Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
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