The Australian lyrebird is a finely plumed ground-dwelling bird, known for its elaborate tail feathers and its ability to mimic both natural and artificial sounds. An Australian peacock, if you will. The flowing lines and trembling jewels in this necklet reminded me of a lyrebird’s dance, and the name became even more fitting when I learned that the delicate pale blue stones were imitations of natural aquamarine.
Indeed I was astonished when my gemologist broke the news that the fine shimmering stones were paste, and not aquamarine. They are so beautiful you would have to get them under a microscope to be able to tell that they are imitation stones.
This necklet was made by A.J. Long & Co. of Melbourne, circa 1915. (Their ‘winged wheel’ hallmark can be found on the reverse) in the Art Nouveau style that was current at the time.
A wonderfully unusual piece of Australian jewellery history.
Manufacture:
Modelled in 9ct gold and hallmarked on the reverse with the distinctive winged wheel hallmark for A.J Long & Co. of Little Collins Street, Melbourne along with the 9 fineness mark and wheat sheaf used by the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria.
The necklet is set with natural seed pearls and six pale blue paste stones imitation aquamarine.. It is on a short length of chain so as to rest between the collarbones, as was the fashion of the day – this could easily be replaced by your local jeweller with a longer length of chain if you wish to wear it lower. Fastens with a barrel clasp.
The necklace is 42.5cm (16.73″) long.
Measures 44.4mm x 28.32mm x 5.11mm.
Weighs 5.03 grams.
Condition:
In excellent antique condition with no signs of repair. Ready for immediate wear.
A very sweet aquamarine paste necklet by early Australian jewellers AJ Long & Co. of Melbourne, circa 1915. The necklet is made in 9ct gold throughout, set with natural seed pearls and six pale blue paste stones imitating aquamarine.
The necklace is 42.5cm (16.73″) long.
Measures 44.4mm x 28.32mm x 5.11mm.
Weighs 5.03 grams.
