Collection: Fine Jewellery & Gold

Australian colonial jewellery is a distinctive style that blended European techniques with unique local motifs and materials, heavily influenced by the gold rushes of the 1850s. Early pieces were crafted by skilled immigrant and convict jewellers, who began to incorporate Australian flora, fauna, and local gemstones like opals and quandong seeds into designs. The period is known for both sentimental pieces and conspicuous gold pieces, such as "digger" themed items or gold nugget watch chains, reflecting a new and evolving colonial identity. By the start of the twentieth century there were a number of larger manufacturing jewellers produced simpler brooches and rings, often still incorporating Australian designs and gemstones. We have a special interest in pieces from some of the lesser known centres in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia. 

Although we specialise in Australian jewellery, we also come across other examples of New Zealand colonial and English/European pieces that we will list.