What is sparklier than diamonds and greener than emeralds?
Demantoid garnets! 💚
These ultra rare gemstones have a fire and brilliance like no other. Originally discovered in 1853 in the Ural mountains of Russia, demantoid garnets have a higher adamantine luster (sparkle power) than diamonds, in fact demantoid gets its name from the German word demant that translates to diamond. They vary in hue from bright grassy green to a more olive shade, these are of the bright, bright green variety. Under a microscope you can see their unique whiplike ‘horsetail’ inclusions.
This piece is an early Australian pendant/ brooch with a removable bail by the esteemed Willis & Sons, circa 1910. The full set of Willis and Sons hallmarks are found on the reverse, including the Unicorn head, 15 for the gold fineness and the W found on pieces made after 1904. The bail is removable courtesy of a clever little hook at the reverse. This allows the jewel to be worn as a brooch or an enhancer. Modelled in 15ct gold, set with natural seed pearls and three fine demantoid garnets. An original Art Nouveau jewel by an acclaimed early Australian maker. A unique combination of rare gems from a remote mountain in Russia and the ingenuity of a family jeweller in Australia – these two elements couldn’t be from further apart and yet the result is sweetly harmonious.
Manufacture:
Modelled in 15ct yellow gold, hallmarked to the reverse with marks from early Australian jewellers Willis & Sons of Melbourne, circa 1910.
Measures 40mm x 30.2mm x 5.7mm, not including the pin.
Weighs 5.7 grams.
The three cushion cut demantoid garnets have and approximate diameter of 2.6mm each, with an approximate combined weight of 1/4 carat. They have been verified as natural demantoid garnets by an independent gemologist.
This clever convertible jewel has some very cleverly conceived little tricks. The pendant bail is removable courtesy of a golden hook on the reverse, this hook also allows the jewel to be worn as an enhancer. The brooch pin clasp has an ingenious cage that prevents the pin from pricking you when worn as a pendant.
Condition:
In perfect original condition with barely any signs of wear. A true collectors piece.
Made in Australia by Willis and Sons, circa 1910, this versatile piece can be worn as either a pendant or a brooch. Modelled in 15ct yellow gold in the flowing Art Nouveau style of the time, and set with rare green demantoid garnets and an abundance of split seed pearls.
Measures 40mm x 30.2mm x 5.7mm, not including the pin.
Weighs 5.7 grams.
In perfect condition. A collectors piece.
