Antique Australian 18ct Rose Gold Ring By ’Saunders’ Circa 1910-1915
History of A. Saunders 1884- 1970s
Alfred Saunders established his watchmaking and jewellery business in George Street, Sydney by 1884. After relocating several years later to substantial premises at 815–817 George Street, his business became so prominent that the location at Railway Square was widely known as “Saunders Corner.”
Throughout the Federation era and beyond, Saunders displayed an extensive selection of jewellery and silverware, with the firm's large advertisements appearing regularly in publications including The Bulletin and The Sydney Mail.
Saunders operated a sizeable workshop employing more than 30 craftsmen and assistants and invested in modern machinery, enabling the firm to manufacture its own gold and silver chains and other jewellery. The business also developed an extensive country clientele, dispatching goods throughout towns across New South Wales.
The Saunders business continued for many decades before eventually being acquired by Angus & Coote in the 1970s.
Credit: Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths, Makers & Marks — Cavill, Cocks & Grace.
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
Beautifully simple and wonderfully wearable, this classic style D-shape band features a gently graduated profile, measuring approximately 4.7mm at its widest point and tapering subtly to 3.9mm. The rose gold has developed a particularly lovely warm, rosy patina over more than a century, giving the piece the unmistakable character that only genuine antique gold can possess.
The interior of the band bears the desirable and very collectable maker's mark ‘Saunders’, for Alfred Saunders of Sydney, together with ‘18ct’ and ‘18’ stamps. A further punched mark appears to possibly depict a crown, although the punch mark has been slightly smudged, possibly from the time of craftsmanship, leaving it somewhat indistinct.
Perhaps this piece of antique Australian history could be a new/old alternative for a wedding ring or a lovely addition to your early Australian jewellery collection!
| Stones | None |
| Measurements | Widest point 4.7mm, tapers to 3.9mm |
| Weight | 2.58 grams |
| Marks | ‘Saunders’ for Alfred Saunders ‘18ct’ ’18’ Possibly a crown stamp, punched mark showing some smudging, unfortunately. |
| Finger Size | P or 17.9mm diameter or US7 3/4. Could be resized up 2-3 sizes, down 2-3 with any competent jeweller. |
Condition
Very good antique condition. The ring enjoys a lovely antique, rosy patina, with very inconsequential surface marks under close scrutiny. We don't believe in over polishing antiques, but it certainly could be polished with a jeweller if desired.The ring has a very slight taper, which is almost impossible to see unless closely observed. Importantly, the shank remains strong and substantial rather than thin or excessively worn. The maker's and gold marks remain remarkably crisp, with only one of the additional punched marks showing some smudging. A really lovely piece of early Australian jewellery history.
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