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

A truly exquisite piece of early Australian craftsmanship, this antique Edwardian 9-carat gold and garnet cross was created by renowned Sydney jeweller Robert Rollason, who established his business in 1888. It beautifully captures the elegance and devotion of the Edwardian era, showcasing the fine artistry for which Australian jewellery of the period is so admired.

Stunningly crafted from 9-carat gold, the cross has been further *bloomed in a higher-carat yellow gold finish, giving it a rich, luminous glow. 

The design is wonderfully decorative, featuring, quite unusually, a  central heart motif framed by delicate gold wirework. This intricate detailing is further enhanced by two deep red  six claw set Garnets and a scattering of tiny seed pearls, adding a touch of colour and refinement.

Measuring approximately 4 cm x 2.5 cm(including its original top ring), this cross is in immaculate condition, a rare survivor from over a century ago. 

The reverse bears Robert Rollason’s hallmark — his distinctive back-to-back capital “R” maker’s mark — along with a devotional inscription - ‘Classmates to B.B - C.B   C.  E.M - and the date 1912, marking the year it was made and presented.

Radiating warmth, history, and devotion, this exceptional piece is both a collectable example of early Australian jewellery and a beautifully wearable antique. Its craftsmanship and symbolism make it a meaningful treasure for any collection.

STONES
Garnet topped doublets
2 x approximately 3.2mm each 

Red faceted paste
1 x approximately 1.6mm

MEASUREMENTS
Drop with bale - 4cm x 2.5cm

WEIGHT
3.22 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for Robert Rollason back to back ‘RR’ and 9ct 

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915 (Inscribed for 1912)

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition,  this piece presents in almost ‘new’ condition, absolutely stunning.  No chips to the garnet topped doublets, all claws original and in excellent order.  No scratches or dents anywhere.  The ‘blooming’ is bright and lush with no dulling nor wear.  Pearls are original with no re-gluing.  Top loop/bale appears original, nice and strong.

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 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. This thin gold skin was dotted by an infinite number of microscopic pits or holes which caused the matte sheen. The effect is reminiscent of the soft skin found on a peach. Dipping the item into the boiling mixture was referred to as colouring, and  resulting sheen was termed bloom". 

(Credit Lang Antique University).

HISTORY OF ROBERT ROLLASON,ROLLASON AND CO LTD 1888-1925 

Founded in 1888 by Robert Rollason at 112 Kent Street, Sydney, the firm emerged as one of Australia's premier gold jewellery manufacturers. Amid the Federation-era boom in local production, it relocated to Castlereagh Street in 1896 and became Rollason and Co by 1907.  In 1910, the firm became Rollason and Co Ltd, still located at 119–121 Castlereagh Street. By late 1922, it moved to expanded premises at 112–114 Crown Street, with Ernest B. Rollason as managing director, nearing its peak.

The company crafted an extensive array of gold and gem-set jewellery, alongside personal accessories. Its watches featured 15-jewel Swiss-made lever movements encased in 9-carat gold, all produced in-house in Sydney. It also made gold vesta and sovereign cases, while its chain-making expertise—led successively by Frederick Mountford and Henri Belle, both of whom later founded their own Sydney firms—yielded alberts and necklets in diverse designs.

Rollason's brooches, pendants, rings, bracelets, crosses, and lockets mirrored the styles of contemporary Melbourne makers like Willis and Sons, Aronson and Co., and Duggin, Shappere and Co. The firm further produced men's items, including gold, silver, and rolled-gold cuff links, tie pins, and dress studs.