A superb antique bangle, created by, and hallmarked clearly for Australian jewellery firm Aronson & Co., is a striking example of Edwardian jewellery design.

Crafted as an oval hinged bangle, modelled in 9 carat gold, the bangle has undergone a specific treatment known as "blooming” (see below), which gives it a rich matte texture that gives a higher-carat gold finish, adding to its already elegant allure.

The bangle features an intricate design featuring three (3) eight claw set oval-cut faceted Amethysts with a total gemstone weight of approximately 6.5cts. 

Complementing the gemstones, the design includes delicate goldwork characterised by elaborate scrolls and beaded details, typical of Edwardian craftsmanship. The gold beads and filigree-like swirls beautifully accentuate the overall aesthetic, lending an air of sophistication and timeless beauty to the piece.

Opening an decoding with a very secure push-in box clasp, and for further security this bait retains its original safety chain also.

This bangle is not only a piece of jewellery but a reflection of the detailed and graceful artistry of its era, exemplifying the high-quality workmanship and stylistic elegance associated with Edwardian jewellery.

STONES
Amethyst
1 @ approx 11 x 8mm - estimated in settings at 3.00ct
2 @ approx  9 x 7mm - estimated in settings at 1.75ct each

MEASUREMENTS
Internal circumference -  17.5cm
Internal measured across - 6cm x 5cm                                         

WEIGHT
10.6 Grams

MARKS
‘Flag’ - Aronson and Co. symbol / 9 / ‘Wheatsheaf’ - Manufacturing Jewellers Association guarantee makes for 9ct gold

CONDITION
Excellent antique condition.  Possible the best and nicest ‘blooming’ we have seen.  NO dents or dings to bangle at all.  No chips or abrasions to Amethysts, all claws (8 to each) are original and in excellent condition.  Box clasp works perfectly, very secure.  Original safety chain.  No issues to note, superb.

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.

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.

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