A superb antique Edwardian Australian bracelet by one of our well know early jewellery firms Willis and Sons dating to the early 20th century.

Not only one of the most coveted jewellery wardrobe staples, as popular today as they were over 100 years ago, this essential ‘chunky’ curb-link bracelet is a classic and timeless asset - not to mention a piece of collectible Australian jewellery history.

Crafted from 9ct rose gold in large (1.2cm x 1.1cm) curblink style with a stunning heart-shaped padlock clasp with the crisp hallmarks for Willis and Sons. 

 A very pleasing size of 20cm wrist circumference and in outstanding condition for its 110 years of age, this wonderful bracelet by an iconic early Australian maker is a heavy, but not too heavy, 20.6 grams, which feels perfect on the wrist.

Wear this stunner alone, it’s more than beautiful enough!, or team it with you other bangles or bracelets for a unique look.

One of the most coveted jewellery wardrobe staples is the essential ‘Chunky’ curb-link bracelet and this one is a stunner!

These bracelets do not need a lot of selling… they really do speak for themselves.. classic, stylish, and feel wonderful on the wrist …  what’s not to love?!!

STONES
None

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915

MEASUREMENTS
Padlock - 2.3cm x 1.5cm
Each link - 1.2cm x 1.1cm
Wrist circumference - 20cm

WEIGHT
20.65 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked to padlock with Willis and Sons’ Unicorn symbol / 9 / ‘W’ for Willis after 1904
Marked to the two oval links attaching to padlock with ‘9c’ 
Tested throughout as 9ct gold 

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  NO thinning between links, no repairs or damage, no dents or dings. Padlock opens and closes perfectly, the rear of padlock has some tiny insignificant marks, noting for accuracy only.  Original safety chain.  Willis and Sons hallmarks are very clear. 9c stamps to oval links also.

HISTORY OF WILLIS AND SONS 

Brothers, Richard & Thomas Willis established their jewellery business in Melbourne in 1858 as importers and wholesalers, at the height of the gold rush in Australia, many family jewellery businesses took advantage of the new found wealth. By 1868, R. & T. Willis were listed in the Melbourne directory as manufacturing jewellers as well as importers.

Willis and Co. continued to trade as wholesaler jewellers and importers of watches, clocks, silver and electroplates wares. Additionally, the firm was listed as gold and silversmiths. Such listings of jewellery was made in their own workshops.

In 1904, Willis and Co. was incorporated as Willis and Sons Pty Ltd. and were to become the prime manufacturer of gold jewellery in Australia through the 1910s and 20s. By 1908, they had constructed new premises, manufacture and warehouse, at 350-356 Little Collins Street Melbourne.

The twentieth century marks of Willis and Sons Pty Ltd have been in use from 1904. By then their standard marks were a 'Unicorn'' a numeral expressing the gold standard plus the capital 'W'. The 'Unicorn' was also used with the abbreviation 'STG.SIL' to mark silverware.