c.1920s Australia 9ct Hand Painted Kookaburra Porcelain Large Brooch

Name: c.1920s Australia 9ct Hand Painted Kookaburra Porcelain Large Brooch
SKU: 12751
Availability: InStock

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$595.00

Beautiful Art Deco 9ct gold hand painted porcelain in a gold frame featuring a Kookaburra facing left and sitting on a wattle branch.

Made by Joseph Lawrence Pty Ltd of Australia, stamped Staffordshire knot makers mark (resembling a pretzel), pin-back with loop provision for safety chain

Joseph Lawrence were long trading jewellers in Melbourne, trading from 1894 until the 1980s.

1 in stock

SKU: 12751 Categories: Collectables, Jewellery, Jewellery Tag: Jewellery

Description

Origin:Australia

Maker:Joseph Lawrence Pty Ltd

Date:c.1920’s

Composition:9ct Gold & Porcelain

Style:Deco

Design:Hand painted porcelain featuring Kookaburra facing left and sitting on a wattle branch

Reverse:Stamped 9ct & Staffordshire knot makers mark (resembling a pretzel), pin-back with loop provision for safety chain

Size & Weight:Tot wt 15.26g; 39x50mm

Condition:Very Good (+) very good condition with no paint loss, cracks or chips

Provenance:Ex Nobles Numismatics, Auction, Sydney; previously The Late Jack Grace Collection of Australian Jewellery

History

Jewellery by Joseph Lawrence Pty Ltd: A Melbourne Legacy

Joseph Lawrence Pty Ltd defined Melbourne’s golden era of craftsmanship, leaving behind a legacy of sparkling treasures that collectors still hunt for today. Although the company eventually closed its doors in the 1980s, its influence on Australian jewellery remains as solid as the gold they forged.

A Glittering Origin Story

Joseph Lawrence started his journey in 1894 on Swanston Street, Melbourne, right in the heart of a city thriving on post-gold-rush ambition. Since he possessed a keen eye for both manufacturing and wholesale, the business expanded rapidly. By 1914, the firm transitioned into a proprietary company and moved to

340 Little Collins Street, taking up residence in the prestigious Elizabeth House. Consequently, the workshop grew into one of Australia’s largest hubs for handmade jewellery, eventually supporting over 20 skilled craftsmen by the start of the Second World War.

Style and Substance

If you happen to find a piece today, you will likely notice the impeccable handiwork that defined their output. Furthermore, the company successfully navigated shifting fashions across several decades:

Edwardian Elegance: During the early 20th century, they gained fame for delicate gem-set rings, diamond pendants, and rose gold pearl jewellery.
Art Deco Boldness: By the 1930s, the workshop produced an extensive range of Art Deco pieces, often mixing 15ct gold with platinum and vibrant stones like blue zircon.
Australiana Charm: Interestingly, they also catered to local tastes with motifs such as kookaburras set in pink shell cameos.

Deciphering the Hallmark

One does not simply guess if a ring belongs to Joseph Lawrence; instead, one looks for the “Knot”. The company used a distinctive Staffordshire knot (resembling a pretzel) as its maker’s mark. Moreover, because they belonged to the Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria, their pieces often carry quality marks like a wheatsheaf for 9ct gold or a hanging fleece for 15ct gold.

Finding Treasures in 2026

Since the original factory no longer hums with activity, modern enthusiasts must look elsewhere. Nevertheless, you can still acquire these historic items through a few reliable avenues including right here at Rare Coins Melbourne!

Additional information

Jewellery	Brooches
Jewellery Period	Art Deco
Jewellery Metal	Gold

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c.1920s Australia 9ct Hand Painted Kookaburra Porcelain Large Brooch