Early Australian Lyre Brooch Circa 1890s

This beautiful brooch holds a piece of early Australian jewellery history, crafted by Willis and Sons jewellers. This 15k yellow gold bar brooch features ornate scroll-work with a central pearl set lyre. Secured with a metal pin and hook catch and fitted with a safety chain with pin. Stamped and hallmarked with 15 and makers mark Willis and Sons.

Gemstones: Eight natural half pearls

Metal: 15k yellow gold with metal pin – XRF tested

Weight: 5.71 grams

Measurements: Length 5.8cm, width 1.7cm

Era: Victorian 1890s

The lyre is an ancient musical instrument with a rich history. The lyre has been associated with various cultures throughout history, including ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. In ancient Greece, the lyre held significant cultural and mythological importance. It was often associated with Apollo, the Greek God of the sun, light, music, truth, healing, poetry, and prophecy. In ancient myths, the god Hermes created the lyre and gave it to Apollo in exchange for the rod of health or for the cows that the mischievous Hermes had stolen from Apollo. Apollo’s lyre has the power to turn items, like stones, into musical instruments. Later Apollo gifted the Lyre to his son Orpheus that had a divinely gifted voice that could charm everyone who heard it. When he was presented first the lyre as a boy, he had it mastered in no time at all. The myth says that no god or mortal could resist his music and even the rocks and trees would move themselves to be near him.