Antique Australian 9ct Gold Pearl Pin Brooch

This is a large stunning antique 9ct gold and seed pearl ornate crucifix in excellent condition. 

It has the hallmarks for Aronson and Co in the three traditional cartouche of the era. The first has the Aronsons trademark symbol of a ‘flag’, 9 for 9ct and the Australian ‘wheat sheaf’ which was the guarantee of quantity mark indicating manufacture between 1889- 1920’s.

Aronson & Co. was the successor of Rosenthal, Aronson and Co. founded in 1878 by David Rosenthal, Saul Aronson and George Aronson. From 1889 to 1892 they were listed at 362 little Collins Street and in 1893 they moved to 275-281 Lonsdale Street Melbourne. Along with their Australian departments they also had offices in London. By 1898 they were also trading at 97 Queen Street, Brisbane. The company closed it's jewellery manufacturing arm in the midst of the Great Depression in 1930 but continued to operate as wholesalers and importers in Sydney until 1947.

Stick pins were used from 1830s to the 1920s for fixing and holding a gentleman’s cravat in place. By the 1890's stick pins were also emerging in womenswear often as hat pins but also in sportswear. In 1909, as the suffragette movement was gathering momentum there were fears that hat pins could be used as weapons. This lead to a bill being passed instructing that women’s pins had to be 9 inches long or less.

The crucifix measures 2.5cm x 2cm and in total the pin measures 7cm.

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care. This pin is in excellent antique condition.