Charming and poignant piece of early Australian jewellery by Aronson and Co (1902-1947).

Modelled as a crucifix in 9ct rose gold which has been ‘bloomed’ to give a rich matte yellow gold finish, and set to the front with a ‘dove of peace’ motif set with faux seed Pearls and two small Turquoise cabochons.

Hallmarked with Aronson and Co iconic symbol of a vertical ‘Flag’, 9 and the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victorias’ guarantee mark of a ‘Wheatsheaf’.

This finely made early piece of Australiana by one of our renowned early jewellery firms is a little heirloom in the making.

HISTORY OF BLOOMING

Blooming, a popular finishing technique for karat gold jewellery from 1870 to 1890, was first documented in 1853.

The means for creating a bloom finish involved dipping a gold item 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.

STONES
Faux half Pearls
Turquoise

MEASUREMENTS
With top ring - 4cm x 2.3cm

WEIGHT
2.41 Grams

MARKS
‘Flag’ symbol used by Aronson / 9 / Wheatsheaf guarantee marks for 9ct gold

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  

Please note chain is for display only unless otherwise stated.   

HISTORY OF ARONSON AND CO. 1902-1947

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.