Please note, boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.

A very sweet and sentimental antique piece of Australian jewellery, fully hallmarked for manufacture by one of our iconic early jewellers Robert Rollason.

Crafted from 15ct gold which has been *bloomed to give a richer high carat hue to the locket border and ornate double C curves, and, interestingly, the Garnet star motifs have been left as a more subtle rosy hue which results in a contrast which complement each other perfectly.

Designed as a traditional double sided photo locket with a screw top bale which allows this piece to be opened easily, and if desired the placement of your treasured photos, or leave it as is, it is stunning worn either way!

A large piece measuring 3.7cm, and with the top bale a commanding drop from a chain of 4.4cm.

Hallmarked to the verso with Robert Rollasons back to back double ‘RR’ symbol, and an obscured 15ct gold stamp, this piece of antique jewellery history is in very good to excellent antique condition and longing to be seen, worn and treasured once again.

STONES
Garnets

MEASUREMENTS
3.7cm ‘Round
Drop from bale 4.4cm x 3.7cm

WEIGHT
4.85 Grams

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915

MARKS
‘Back to back ‘R’s for Robert Rollason
15ct - obscured by Garnet setting! - Tested 

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  Original hard plastic panes, minor marks only.  Garnets are original, no chips or abrasions. Top winder screws on and off effortlessly and closes securely. Original top loop.  No issues to note.

HISTORY OF BLOOMING

Blooming, a popular finishing technique for karat gold jewelry from 1870 to 1890, was first documented in 1853. The means for creating a bloom finish involved dipping a karat into a boiling mixture of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid), saltpeter (potassium nitrate), salt and water. This process burned off any alloys on the surface resulting in an alloy-free, thin layer of soft, pure gold on the item.

(Credit: Lang University)

HISTORY OF ROBERT ROLLASON

The business founded in 1888 by Robert Rollason at 112 Kent street, Sydney, was to become one of the foremost manufacturers of gold Jewellery in Australia.  During the Federation period many Australian jewellery firms developed their manufacturing operations.  Of these, Robert Rollason had moved to Castlereagh Street in 1896; by 1907 the firm had become Rollason and Co. and then in 1910 Rollason and Co. Let, still located at 119-121 Castlereagh Street.

Towards the end of 1922, the company moved to new and enlarged premises at 112-114 Crown Street.

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