Antique Australian 9ct Rose Gold Shield Shape Locket By Aronson & Co. Circa 1900

Dating to around the turn of the last century this darling locket was crafted in Australia by well known jewellery firm Aronson & Co. - Melbourne Victoria - and hallmarked to the rear with his symbol of a ‘Flag’ / 9 / and the ‘Wheatsheaf’ guarantee mark for 9ct gold.

Modelled in 9ct rose gold in the form a a shield with scrolling engraving and a faceted red paste stone to the front panel and plain to the verso.

Opening to reveal its original frames, celluloid panels and pale blue material.

This charming piece of early Australian history is just waiting for you treasured photos and to be worn with the pride it once again deserves.

STONES
Red faceted paste/glass resembling a Garnet

MEASUREMENTS
2.8cm x 2.0cm Without top jump ring

WEIGHT
4.81 Grams

MARKS
‘Flag’ / 9 / ‘Wheatsheaf’

CONDITION
Very good antique condition.  Opens and closes very securely.  Minor marks to gold only.  No dents.  Original frames inside.  Jump ring to top shows slight thinning but as its original and has plenty of wear left we have decided to leave it original.  Charming locket.

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

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.