Superb Antique Australian 15ct Yellow Gold Celestial Starburst Pearl Necklace Circa 1905
STONES
Natural Half Seed Pearls
MEASUREMENTS
Starburst 2.8cm diameter
Drop from ‘Crescent Moon’ segment - 4cm
End to end - Neck circumference 38cm
WEIGHT
16.63 Grams
MARKS
Starburst pendant/brooch is fully hallmarked for Willis and Sons 15ct
Necklace is fully hallmarked for Duggin, Shappere and Co. 15ct
CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition. Clasp is excellent, secure and sturdy. No repairs throughout. Pearls are all original, no replacements or re-glues. Chain is beautiful and very sturdy. Highly collectible piece of Australian antique signed jewellery.
Duggin, Shappere and Co. established their business in Howey Place, off Little Collins Street in Melbourne in 1896. It was one of the major jewellery manufacturers operating in Australian in the first quarter of the 20th century producing an extensive range of gold jewellery for the increasing demand from the ever growing Australian population. Their use of seed pearls is well known in their original designs of both pendants and brooches.
Their trademark hallmark featuring an ‘Anchor’ was used in conjunction with the guarantee marks of the Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria, seen here on this remarkable original design.
Moving premises several times they settled into their final premises at 343 Little Collins Street where they continued until 1932.
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.
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.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options