ANTIQUE AUSTRALIAN c1900 RUBY & TURQUOISE RING 15ct GOLD

This fabulous ring handcrafted by Willis and Co c1900 on lush 15ct yellow gold features a double row of bead set Rubies and Turquoise. With etched shoulders flowing to a tapered band.

Features crisp hallmarks for Willis & Co, 15ct.

What we Love:

Rare, collectible and extremely wearable this ring will work so well in a stack.

This one looks and feels amazing on, with the combination of Rubies, Turquoise and 15ct gold working so well together.

About the Maker:

History of Willis & Co (Abridged) from ‘Australiana’ – The Journal of Australian Society.

When Richard and Thomas Willis established their jewellery business in Melbourne, in 1858, as importers and wholesalers scarcely could they have imagined that some fifty years later their successors, Willis and Sons, would have become one of the leading manufacturers of gold jewellery in Australia.

In 1876 the firm became T Willis & Co, under the control of Thomas and V.J. Willis. Willis & Co continued to trade as wholesale jewellers and importers of watches, clocks, silver and electroplated wares.

With the coming of Federation in 1901, the newly founded Commonwealth government was to impose customs duties on many imported goods, including jewellery — apparently at levels sufficient to encourage, and no doubt protect, local manufacturers. Increasingly wholesale jewellery firms turned to manufacturing, not least among these was T Willis & Co.

In 1904 Willis & Co was incorporated as Willis and Sons Pty Ltd. Willis and Sons was to become the prime manufacturer of gold jewellery in Australia through the 1910s and 1920s. By 1908 they had constructed new premises - manufactory and warehouse, at 350-356 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.  A vast array of jewellery was produced in 9, 15 and 18 carat gold, and in silver, until the closure of their manufactory in 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression, when the company reverted to importing.

The Details:

Stones: 5 x Natural Rubies, 5 x Turquoise cabochons

Size: Q (8.25 US) Diameter = 18.25mm Circumference = 57mm

This ring is able to be resized up or down max 3 sizes

Metal: 15ct yellow gold

Hallmarks: Unicorn, 15, W

Weight: 2.81 grams

Condition:  In excellent Antique condition, stones are secure and unabraded, hallmarks are crisp, band original width throughout