{"title":"Early Australian Jewellery","description":"Early Australian Jewellery is a personal passion of mine, I have many pieces in my personal collection. I have sourced some beautiful examples to share with you that showcase our small but fabulous Jewellery history as a nation. Pieces from the gold rush Era when our country was beginning to flourish right through the start of the 20th Century. These were created by hand by skilled Australia Jewellers and you will never see this quality and craftsmanship again. Each piece tells a story of the jeweller, their firm and the historical backdrop of that time. I hope you enjoy them","products":[{"product_id":"gorgeous-boulder-opal-9ct-c1930s","title":"Gorgeous Australia matrix opal 9ct c1930s","description":"\u003cp\u003eI was so happy to find this stunning matrix opal ring, especially after selling my Victorian piece earlier this year! I missed this chocolate goodness filled with rainbows🌈. Like a hershey kiss or a choc-chip I could go on but lets just let these videos do the talking! They show that amazing matrix opal structure through the iron stone host rock that forms when silica rich water seeps through millions of years ago. The setting is a personal favourite that 1930s style with lovely flat bezel halo to offset this rich brown! Opal has small amount of movement in the setting but very secure\u003cbr\u003eSize Q.5\u003cbr\u003eWeight 5.7g\u003cbr\u003eDimensions opal 15x 11 x 4mm\u003cbr\u003eHead 20 x 15 x 6mm\u003cbr\u003eSits 6mm off the finger\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayby welcome \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42725650759843,"sku":"","price":1290.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/products\/IMG_20220831_175555_216.webp?v=1661988067"},{"product_id":"early-australian-15ct-band-joseph-lawrence","title":"Early Australian 15ct band Joseph Lawrence Blue Zircon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Early Australian ring is such a find! Featuring this fabulous bright blue zircon and white glass bead set in platinum.The most exciting detail is the sweet knot Hallmark on the reverse that shows this was made by Joseph Lawrence. Joseph Lawrence is first listed in a Melbourne trade directory in 1894 as a jewellery and was in operation until 1970.  He was also an early member of the Manufacturing Jewellers' Association of Victoria. This piece is likely Art deco and marks for 15ct and platinum. His hallmark was a knotted cord in the shape of a pretzel. Lovely condition with minimal wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize L\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 1.6g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions zircon 4mm x 4mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43084694782115,"sku":"","price":895.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/1000055607.png?v=1794103733"},{"product_id":"antique-art-deco-zircon-9ct-white-and-yellow-gold","title":"Antique Art Deco Zircon 9ct white and yellow gold","description":"\u003cp\u003eOh yes! Would you just look at this knockout natural blue zircon in this epic Art deco setting. Blue zircons were extremely popular for art deco rings and this is such a sweet example! Set in 9ct yellow and white gold I just adore the metal work shoulders and that high ornate gallery! Beautiful condition after a clean with my jeweller. Likely early Australian but the hallmarks are too worn to read. Zircon has some flea bite chips and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize M\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 1.89g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural blue zircon 4.5x4.5x3mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits 7mm off the finger\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43804763029667,"sku":"","price":795.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/29ef0f81-0218-4fe2-956a-b665da5d307d-1_all_6326.jpg?v=1794099307"},{"product_id":"antique-zircon-ring-9ct-gold","title":"Antique Zircon ring 9ct gold","description":"\u003cp\u003eThrilled to find this Australian antique zircon ring with her honey cognac hue and the rosey antique gold. This zircon started life as a hatpin and was converted to a ring at some time. The ring has been expertly made and looks so beautiful with the warm hues of this Zircon. The gemstone is in very good antique condition, the zircon sits a little out the bottom of the setting but not noticeable when worn. Some light wear to gold band and one claw is worn but very secure. 9ct Rosey yellow gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize P\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 3.69g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Natural Zircon @ 10x7x5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 3.2cts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits 4.5mm off the finger\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43812462067875,"sku":"","price":1890.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/29ef0f81-0218-4fe2-956a-b665da5d307d-1_all_6297.jpg?v=1794099134"},{"product_id":"early-australian-bamboo-band-by-aronson-co-9ct","title":"Antique Early Australian Bamboo band by Aronson \u0026 Co 9ct","description":"\u003cp\u003eSuper exciting early Australian find! I thought this ring was beautiful with her mixed metal bamboo design and then I spied those hallmarks. I wasn't sure who the maker was at first but seeing the wheat sheeth meant Early Australian 9ct so I raced home to consult my book. A wonderful surprise was it was by Aronson \u0026amp; Co  and likely late Victorian early Edwardian with their love of bamboo in jewellery. This mark is not their common simple flag and luckily, my book has this exact example! The flag is upside down and the letter at the end looks to be the maker at Aronson \u0026amp; Co. I have given her a light polish but left the lovely patina intact. Some scratches but being over 100yrs old she is in good condition. Bamboo motif symbolised good luck!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize O.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 3.4g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth 4mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44761076367523,"sku":"","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_c539d3a7-f3b6-4468-a97f-55ee6b1f2849.jpg?v=1722557505"},{"product_id":"the-shamrock-☘️-signet-15ct-yellow-gold-ring","title":"The Shamrock ☘️ signet 15ct yellow gold ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Shamrock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe popularity of simple signets is always soaring as they are so universally wearable. What they represent, the history and patina from their lifetime is highly valued. To find them in 15ct is very rare and even more so with a shamrock symbol ☘️. The three leaves are said to represent hope, faith and love which is such a wonderful sentiment. The fourth leaf would usually be the luck but I feel lucky I found this! Perhaps the owner had Irish heritage. This exquisite example is in rosey 15ct yellow gold and feels luxurious yet so smooth on the finger. Likely Early Australian c1910 it is such a wonderful piece. Light wear and it looks like an old engraving of initials has worn away over time on the inside of the ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize Q\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 5.2g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimension face 11 x 8 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBand tappers from 2 to 11.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHallmarked 15ct\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45077877751971,"sku":"","price":1990.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_21a7419b-22b5-42ca-8364-bd41225b1087.jpg?v=1723368057"},{"product_id":"australian-parti-sapphire-in-early-australian-rosey-9ct-yellow-gold","title":"Australian parti sapphire in Early Australian rosey 9ct yellow gold","description":"\u003cp\u003eSuperb Australian sapphire with incredible zoning looking right at home in this rosey 9ct early Australian ring! This special ring is c1910s with great lower profile for comfort, unfortunately when I found her she had a chipped garnet doublet and was due to be melted. I had to replace the gem to save her but the doublet was not overly deep so it took me some time to find the right gemstone. I found this special parti sapphire in my personal collection of sapphires mined in the 1980s and with her striking natural lines of colour I knew she would be the perfect fit! The band is so smooth after over 100yrs of wear she is just sublime and with new claws ready for another life! Light wear to ring and natural inclusions \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize P.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 3.1g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions 9.3 x7.2 x4mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 2.20cts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits 3.4 mm off the finger\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45430768631971,"sku":null,"price":1990.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/IMAGE-EDIT_1a803dcb-0724-4586-badd-3a6dc198393d.png?v=1733099717"},{"product_id":"bloodstone-signet-by-australian-company-lustre-c1950s-9ct-yellow-gold","title":"Bloodstone signet by Australian company Lustre c1950s 9ct yellow gold","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis piece is in fabulous condition and was likely made in the late 1950s. This simple yet wearable and classy bloodstone signet was made by a company called Lustre. LUSTRE Jewellery Mfg. Co. of Waverly Rd, Malvern, Vic was in operation from 1949 to 1960 and although my books do not have much history I was able to find this photo of their stalls at a jewellery fair to share with you. The blood stone is such a nice bright green with the typical red patternation and some delicate veins. Those leaf shaped shoulders are so attractive and really add some depth of design. Light wear to gold and some porosity. Good condition for age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize V.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 4.57g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions bloodstone 12.8 x10.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits 5.8mm off the finger\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayby welcome\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45690120143011,"sku":null,"price":1090.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/PXL-20241220_031902164_2.jpg?v=1742018986"},{"product_id":"australian-harlequin-four-stone-ring-18ct-rosey-gold","title":"Australian Harlequin four stone ring 18ct rosey gold","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis little beauty was a fun mystery to solve! This ring looked to be in the Harlequin style, a style that emerged in the late 1800s and into the early 1900 during the Georgian and Victorian periods. The name \"harlequin\" comes from the vibrant, multi-patched costume of the Italian theatrical character. These pieces often featured gemstones of mismatched or dissimilar colours often garnets citrine, sapphire peridot and spinels. I haven't seen this combination of gems before and rings are not common usually we see bracelets or fringe necklaces more commonly. That rich rosey gold had me thinking antique but there were modern Australian hallmarks for 18ct. But after seeing the addition of older worn hallmarks I realized like so many pieces I see that the modern marks had been added later by a jeweller. They do this if there are no hallmarks or they are very worn. So always pays to look at every aspect of a ring when dating or purchasing them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter sending her off to my valuer he confirmed early Australia but maker unable to be identified. Excitedly three bright natural spinels and one peridot featured. Spinels are garnering so much more attention these days as they should for their rich variety of colours and often mistaken for ruby and sapphire. This ring is c1900s and such a beautiful piece with four claw settings that extend from the elongated under rails that are embellished with 2 x trefoil sphere details on either side. The colours although mismatched looks so perfect together! Some wear to facets and gold please see videos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize M 1\/2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal Weight 3.59grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal Spinel Weight 2.36ct\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGemstone Dimensions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Spinel @ 6.23 x 5.12 x 3.06mm \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 0.71ct \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut Oval Pale Violet Clarity, L11 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Olivine Peridot @ 6.40 x 5.59 x 3.98mm \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppro 0.98ct\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut Oval, Intense Yellowish Green Clarity112\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Spinel @ 6.58 x 5.14 x 3.83mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 0.94ct \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut Oval, Dark Red MI2 Clarity L11\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 Spinel @ 5.94 x 5.92 x 3.13mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 0.71ct \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut Round, Light Purplish Pink, ClarityL11\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo Treatments noted\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHallmarks HND 750\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandmade Australian likely 1920s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValued $ 8,860.00\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46203738030243,"sku":null,"price":4400.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/IMAGE-EDIT_7bf99c3f-b9da-47af-a414-5e4e99c3cbd9.png?v=1757023171"},{"product_id":"early-australian-opal-pendant-by-duggan-shaperre-and-co-c1900","title":"Early Australian Opal pendant by Duggan Shaperre and co c1900. 9ct","description":"\u003cp\u003eEarly Australian history at its finest! Not only does this pendant feature our most well know and coveted gemstone, opal, but it was handmade by one of the founding members of the Vic Jewellers association Duggan Shappere \u0026amp; Co. This piece is c1900s and features a triangular piece of solid opal in 9ct. It features the highly collectable triple hallmarks with the anchor representing the makers mark, the 9ct denoting the gold and the wheat sheath also symbolism 9ct. It is truly a very special piece and it looks so resplendent on an antique watch chain or finer chain as well. These pieces are becoming exceedingly rare to find and will only continue inue to go up in value. This single solid cabochon opal has been serrated edge bezel set suspended by a detailed rope loop and millegrain edged open frame pediment. The opal shows bright fire with colours of Red, orange, yellow, purple, green and it top grade. Opal has crack to top corner but secured \u0026amp; checked with jeweller. Could be glued if you like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight 2.10grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpal x15.41 x 10.67 x 2.53mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox 2.17ct\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid (Class A) Semi Crystal White\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloral patternation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits 3mm off the neck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValuation $7200\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Secret Compartment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67587008463011,"sku":null,"price":2590.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_84abd011-de44-4dd4-866e-262db4d0c1ef.png?v=1790830492"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/3902\/6339\/collections\/IMG_20220422_080858_090.webp?v=1693633519","url":"https:\/\/thesecretcompartment.com.au\/collections\/australian-wonders.oembed?page=2","provider":"The Secret Compartment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}