Superb in manufacture and beauty we are thrilled to offer this antique Australian brooch by Larard Bros Circa 1910.

The attention to detail is evident in this skillfully executed brooch which is crafted from 15ct rose gold and centred on a knife edge bar with multi claw set solid white Opal.
Flanking the Opal are two old Mine cut diamonds, also multi claw set, and to the end terminals of the brooch a further two round solid white Opal.

Beautifully matched the Opals all display a wonderful play of colour exhibiting fiery flashes of blue, green, red, orange, and goldy yellows and the diamonds are bright, white and very lively, combining for stunning effect!

Original (and very unusual !) roll over clasp and pin to verso in 9ct white gold.. another superb attention to detail

Pieces of this quality, condition, hallmarked for such an iconic maker, are becoming rare on the market. 

Perfect for the serious Australian jewellery collector and/or Opal connoisseur.

HISTORY OF LARARD AND SON

Founded in 1874 as Larard and Son and becoming Larard Bros in 1882 and residing in 42 Little Collins Street East.

John Larard was at that time apprenticed to James Murray of Bourke Street Melbourne.  On the death of their father John and his younger brother took control of the business which in 1882 became Larard Bros.

Larard Bros were manufacturing jewellers, importers, wholesalers and their inventory included rings of all descriptions, muff chains, medals and diamond mountings were a speciality.

Their range of gold jewellery included rings of all descriptions, Alberts, muff chains, masonic jewels and medals.  They were among the more enterprising of the Melbourne manufacturers who designed and produced gold field brooches for the makes in Western Australia.

John Larard retired in 1906 and passed away in 1938 at the age of 86 years.  The firm continued to trade as manufacturing jewellers at Sudgen Place, off Little Colins Street until 1945. 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.

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


STONES
Opal
1 @ approximately 8mm x 6mm
2 @ approximately 4mm

Diamond
2 @ approximately 2.7mm and 2.9mm
TDW estimated 0.18ct
Colour H-I
Clarity SI1

MEASUREMENTS
4.5cm

WEIGHT
3.29 Grams

MARKS
‘Star with a bar’ - For Larard Bros
15
‘Hanging Fleece’ - Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria guarantee mark for 15ct gold

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition.  No chips/abrasions to Opals or diamonds.  All claws excellent and original.  Original roll over C clasp and pin to verso. 
Stunning piece of Australian history by one of our finest jewellery firms.