1 6

Golden Delicious Vintage

Abigail - 9ct Antique Australian candy pink stone ring

Abigail - 9ct Antique Australian candy pink stone ring

$765.00 AUD
$765.00 AUD
Sale Sold out

A really lovely example of an Antique Australian piece by well known Melbourne Jewellers W.J. Moore and Sons. Stamped with Antique Australian hallmarks including the 9 and wheat sheaf for 9ct gold. This is a gorgeous example of late 19th - early 20th C jewellery with elegant split shoulders and clawset crown style setting. 

The stone is candy coloured and absolutely beautiful. 

Size P / 7.5US

Stamp - Australian makers mark 9ct and the wheat sheaf. 

1.6g

Stone - Unsure 

Era - Antique Victorian

The Story of W.J. Moore & Sons: A Century of Melbourne Craftsmanship
For collectors of antique Australian jewellery, few names evoke the golden age of Federation-era craftsmanship quite like W.J. Moore & Sons. If you have ever run your fingers over a piece of early 20th-century Australian gold and noticed a tiny, crisply stamped Maltese Cross, you are holding a direct piece of Melbourne’s rich retail history.
Let's dive into the fascinating 140-year timeline of this iconic manufacturing jeweller, tracking its path from the bustling streets of late-Victorian Melbourne to its modern-day operations in South Melbourne.

From Moore Bros to Little Collins Street: The Timeline
The story of W.J. Moore & Sons mirrors the evolution of Melbourne itself, navigating through the post-gold rush boom, economic depression, and two World Wars.
  • 1887 – The Foundations: The business is established under the name Moore Bros, operating out of retail premises at 162 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
  • 1893 – Sole Proprietorship: William John Moore takes full control of the firm as sole proprietor, pivoting the business deeply into manufacturing.
  • 1911 – Trademarking the Cross: William registers his distinctive "Maltese Cross" trademark. It is used alongside the guarantee stamps of the Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria (M.J.A.) to certify gold quality.
  • 1918 to 1942 – The Heart of the City: The workshop moves into the famous laneways of Melbourne's jewelry quarter, operating from 340 Little Collins Street.
  • 1923 – A New Era: The firm officially rebrands to W.J. Moore & Sons.
  • 1937 – Expanding the Family Tree: The business officially registers as a proprietary limited company with a capital of £20,000, run by family members C.H. Moore, N.W. Moore, and W.J. Moore.
  • 1943 – Branching Out: The family enterprise splits into two distinct entities: W.J. Moore and Sons Pty Ltd and S.N. Moore and Co. Pty Ltd.
  • Present Day: The historical trademark was formally retained until 1955, but the enduring lineage of the brand continues to this day. Their modern trade and manufacturing facility still operates out of 153 Montague St, South Melbourne.
 
How to Identify an Authentic W.J. Moore Piece
Identifying a genuine piece comes down to the hallmark stamped on the inside shank of a ring or the back of a brooch. W.J. Moore pieces rely on a three-part marking system:
  1. The Maker’s Mark: Look for the signature Maltese Cross pictorial symbol.
  2. The Purity Number: Usually marked as "9" (9-carat) or "15" (15-carat) gold.
  3. The M.J.A. Guarantee Mark: Early 20th-century 15ct pieces feature a "Hanging Fleece" (or sheep) symbol—the quality guarantee used by the Manufacturing Jewellers' Association of Victoria. If it is 9ct gold, you will often find it paired with a sheaf of wheat.
Unlike mass-produced modern jewelry, W.J. Moore pieces are highly sought after for their distinct Edwardian and Arts & Crafts styling.
They are particularly famous for low-rise Daisy halo cluster rings, intricate millgraine-edged settings, and fine scrollwork. While they frequently worked with traditional diamonds and seed pearls, they are celebrated for championing Australian gemstones, such as deep Australian sapphires and clear white sapphires set in rich 15ct rose gold.
Today, these items are incredibly scarce, making them an excellent investment for lovers of unique, localized Australian history.

 

History of Paste Stones in Jewellery 

Antique paste stones are high-lead glass historically hand-cut and polished to imitate fine gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Originating in the 18th century, these dense, brilliant jewels were commonly foil-backed to enhance sparkle and were prized by both nobility and the emerging middle classes

Parisian jeweler Georges Frédéric Strass (from which the word strass is derived) popularized these stones in the 1720s

Unlike modern molded rhinestones, antique paste was crafted from flint glass with a high lead oxide content, which increased its refractive index and overall brilliance. Due to their high lead content, paste stones are noticeably heavier and denser than standard glass or modern plastics.

Because they were individually cut and polished rather than poured into a mold, authentic antique paste stones feature sharp, crisp facet edges.

Under a loupe or magnification, genuine glass paste will often reveal faint swirling patterns and tiny, perfectly round air bubbles.

Jewellers frequently placed colored or metallic foil behind the stones to reflect light, mimicking the deep, vibrant hues of natural emeralds, rubies, or sapphires

Georgian (1714–1837): Paste stones were set with the same meticulous care as real diamonds. They were frequently set in closed-back silver settings to protect the fragile foil from water and tarnishing.

Victorian (1837–1901): The style remained highly sought after, often used creatively in mourning jewelry, novelty brooches, or mimicking semi-precious gems like turquoise.

While paste itself is simply lead glass, the value lies in the antiquity of the hand-crafted metalwork (often sterling silver or gold) and the historical significance of the piece.

Other info
Please check the photos carefully as they are part of the description. These items have been preloved so may have some wear and tear. I do my best to accurately describe items for sale, to the best of my knowledge and research. 
 
Free shipping for orders $500 and over.

Shipping is $10 flat rate within Australia and New Zealand for orders up to $500. Free shipping for orders $500 and over. For overseas purchases please contact me and I will give you a quote and arrange payment. 

No change of mind returns

View full details