ANTIQUE AUSTRALIAN c1904 WILLIS & Co GARNET & DIAMOND RING ON 15ct YELLOW GOLD

This darling Antique ring features three round Pyrope Garnet flanked to each side by three Old Mine Cut Diamonds all are flush set diagonally within rectangular mounts with ornate scrolled shoulders rising to a flat band.

Beautifully handcrafted c1889 on 15ct Yellow Gold by Australian Manufacturers Willis & Co (see below for history) featuring their unique Unicorn Maker’s stamp. This gorgeous piece of history is as wearable today as she was 119 years ago!

The Details:

Stones: 3 x Pyrope Garnets, 6 x Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Size:  M (6.25 US) Diameter = 16.75mm Circumference = 52mm

This ring is able to be resized

Metal:  15ct Yellow Gold

Hallmarks:  Unicorn, 15, W (Willis & Co mark post 1904)

Weight:  2.5 grams

Condition:  In excellent antique condition, the Garnets & Diamonds are unabraded and securely set band is original width throughout

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.

Yet the pattern of development of this family business was not dissimilar to that of other merchants who sensed the opportunities that were to flow from the discovery of gold in the Australian colonies in 1851. By 1868, R. & T. Willis were listed in the Melbourne directory as manufacturing jewellers as well as importers.

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.

It would seem that Willis & Co were engaged in all aspects of the jewellery trade other than retailing. The firm maintained a presence in London, and later in Birmingham — presumably to assist in their importing activities. In Australia, branches had been opened in Sydney and Perth.

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.

Resizing:

• We offer resizing on all rings that are eligible (we will note whether a ring can be altered or not).
• Resizing is FREE on any rings over $1000 plus cost of material for sizing up.
• Resizing is $50 on any ring under $1000 plus cost of material for sizing up.
• Additional cost for sizing more than 5 sizes and white gold.
• Resizing takes 7-10 business days.
• Contact us on hello@rockandvestige.com.au to arrange and confirm sizing and additional cost.