An immaculate and strikingly beautiful antique piece of Australian jewellery history by one of our prominent early jewellery firms established in 1878 - Aronson & Co., Melbourne - and full hallmarked beautifully as such.

The pendant is stunning, crafted in high carat 15ct yellow gold and styled as an open worked motif almost reminiscent of a Thistle, centrally set with a very vibrant and pristine square-cut Peridot, multi claw set, to a surround of floral-like sprigs set with a series of natural half Seed Pearls

An articulated Seed Pearl bale to the top accommodates the original superbly crafted chain in 9ct gold which retains its original push in barrel clasp, and measures a very pleasing wearable length of 42cm.

A true collectors piece, however as wearable now as it was when first crafted over 100 years ago, and asset to any jewellery collection.

STONES
Peridot
1 x approx 5.0mm x 5.0m,

Half Seed Pearls

MEASUREMENTS
Pendant - 3.9cm x 2.5cm
Chain / Neck Circumference - 42cm

WEIGHT
7.06 Grams

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915

MARKS
‘Flag’ symbol used by Aronson & Co.
’15’ For 15t gold
‘Hanging fleece’ - Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria  (MJA) guarantee mark for 15ct gold

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition.  This piece is in almost pristine condition with no faults.  Peridot has no chips or abrasions, bright and beautiful.  Al Pearls are original, natural, no replacements or re-glues.  Chain is lovely, no thinning, clasp works perfectly and securely.  Hallmarks are as crisp as the day it was made. Stunning piece of antique Australian history.

HISTORY OF ARONSON & CO.

Aronson & Co. was the successor of Rosenthal, Aronson and Co. founded in 1878.
David Rosenthal, taking advantage of the opportunities that were to flow from the gold discoveries in Victoria in 1851, had built up a considerable wholesale jewellery and importing business in Melbourne during the 1860’s and 1870’s.

In 1874 David Rosenthal’s business became ‘David Rosenthal and Co., of 15 Collins Street West. The ‘and Co.’ was Saul Philip Aronson who was listed as a partner in 1876.

in 1878 George Alfred Aronson joined the partnership. The firm became Rosenthal, Aronson and Co.

From 1889 to 1892 they were listed at 362 little Collins Street. In 1893 they moved to 275-281 Lonsdale Street Melbourne. Along with their Australian departments they also had offices in London.

By 1898 they were also trading at 97 Queen Street, Brisbane.

At some stage unknown to us, there were four brothers involved in the business….Saul, George, Norman, and Frederick Aronson!

In 1900 the various partnership arrangements involving the four brothers were dissolved.  By 1902 the Australian operations were incorporated as Aronson and Co. Pty Ltd at 297-299 Little Collins street Melbourne.  The newly formed company advertised as manufacturing jewellers and importers. The established wholesaling operation in Sydney and Brisbane were continued, and a branch was opened in Adelaide in 1912.

The Aronsons closed their manufactory in the midst of the Great Depression in 1930. 
Norman Aronson had retired in 1927 having spent 53 years in the trade.
Aronson and Co. continued to operate as wholesalers and importers in Sydney until 1947.

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