Dating to the first quarter of the 20th century circa 1915, this special piece by one of our well know early and enduring jewellery firms ‘Wendts’ - established in 1854 in Adelaide.

Crafted in 9ct rose gold, this exquisite piece is adorned with a large, captivating oval Onyx plaque, measuring an elegantly large 2.2cm x 1.6cm.

The Onyx, with its deep, lustrous black hue, creates a striking contrast against the warm tones of the 9ct rose gold frame. Its smooth surface and polished finish enhance the bangle's overall allure, making it a true statement piece.

In excellent condition, and we don’t say this lightly, ever, there simply are no marks nor wear to the Onyx and no dents to the bangle itself.. this one has simply been tucked away for over 100 years!

This bangle not only boasts exceptional beauty but also carries a sense of history and heritage. Wendts, a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, has been creating exquisite jewellery for generations. Owning a piece from this esteemed brand is like owning a piece of art, a testament to the enduring legacy of fine jewellery.

STONES
Onyx - 2.1cm x 1.6cm

MEASUREMENTS
Internal circumference - 17cm
Internal oval - 6cm x 5cm

WEIGHT
9.89 Grams

MARKS
‘Wendts’ 9ct

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  No marks, abrasions or chips to Onyx, basically in pristine condition.  Claws original and secure. Knife edge bangle frame shows no dents, dings or issues.  Clasp is tight and secure. Original safety chain. 9ct and ‘Wendts’ hallmarks crisp and clear.  Amazing condition.

Please note boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.   


HISTORY J.M. WENDT / WENDTS 1854 - ?

Jochim Wendt was born in Denmark in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, which had been subjected to civil war as a consequence of Prussia’s drive to incorporate the province in the emerging German nation.
These events led to his decision to emigrate. J.M Wendt was a trained watchmaker and jeweller and upon arrival in Adelaide in 1854, he set up a business in Pirie Street at the young age of 24.

By the 1870s, the premier retail jewellery establishments were those of J.M. Wendt and Henry Steiner. In 1872, Jochim married Johanna Koeppen who had been widowed with four children.  The eldest son, Herman, would enter the business and subsequently took on the Wendt surname. By 1880, the firm was located at 70 Rundle Street and these premises (while renumbered) have been occupied by Wendts to present day.

Their colonial jewellery in gold, displayed at the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879 was reported as showing excellence, Wendt being awarded a First Degree of Merit for Jewellery and Silverware.  Wendt did not exhibit at the Adelaide Exhibition of 1881, rather he offered his business for sale in September of that year. J.M Wendts’ notice in the Adelaide Observer stated, ‘…retiring from business, genuine clearing out sale..’.

By 1895, Wendts were predominantly manufacturing jewellers and importers, a sign of the changing styles and time. No longer would they exhibit silver.
In 1903, Herman Koeppen Wendt, Jochim’s step son, became a junior partner and upon the death of J.M Wendt in 1917, H.K. Wendt would become the sole proprietor.
 
Over the next several decades, further changes to the business would see Herman’s eldest son Alan, enter the business and become sole proprietor in 1938. In 1947 the firm became a propriety company under the direction of Alan K Wendt and his son Peter K Wendt.

In 1954, Wendts Jewellers Pty Ltd was specially commissioned by the South Australian government to design and make an elaborate necklace and matching earrings for presentation to H.M Queen Elizabeth II in a large white opal (203 carats) then in the government’s possession. The making of this opal and diamond necklace was especially propitious, as it coincided with Wendts celebration of their first centenary of trading.