Early Australian Garnet & Pearl Brooch Circa 1910

This beautiful brooch holds a piece of early Australian jewellery history, crafted by Willis & Sons jewellers. This 9k yellow gold double bar brooch features fine ornate scroll-work, granulation and ball finials with a central pearl set scroll with claw set garnet doublets. Fitted and secured with a pin and hook catch. Stamped and hallmarked with 9 and makers mark Willis & Sons.

Gemstones:

Two natural round cut, garnet topped doublets

Five natural half pearls

Metal: 9k yellow gold – XRF tested

Weight: 4.06 grams

Measurements: Length 5.8cm, width 1cm

Era: Edwardian Circa 1910

When Richard and Thomas Willis established their Jewellery business in Melbourne in 1858, as importer and wholesalers, never could they have imagined that some 50 years later their successors Willis and Sons would have become one of the leading manufacturers of gold Jewellery in Australia. Willis & Sons became the prime manufacturer of gold jewellery in Australia throughout the 1910’s and 1920’s. Best known for brooches, lockets and pendants and gemstone set jewellery. A vast array of Jewellery was produced up until the closure of the business in 1931 in the midst of the great depression. For some 50 years after the closure of their factory, they continued to trade as wholesale jewellers, manufacturers’ agents and importers. Their “unicorn” makers mark was derived from the Willis family crest.