Antique 9ct Gold Kookaburra Brooch with Seed Pearls & Garnets | Australian Federation Era Safety Chain Brooch

An authentic piece of Marvellous Melbourne.

Some jewellery tells a story. Others become part of Australia’s story.

This exquisite Willis & Son 9ct gold Kookaburra brooch was created by one of Melbourne’s most celebrated jewellers, whose elegant Collins Street showroom supplied fine jewellery during the golden age of “Marvellous Melbourne.”

Stamped with the Willis & Son unicorn hallmark alongside the 9ct mark, this delightful native bird brooch is a genuine survivor from an era when Australian jewellers embraced our unique wildlife as symbols of national pride.

The beautifully sculpted kookaburra is adorned with natural seed pearls and rich cabochon garnets, perched within an elegant flowing wishbone frame that perfectly captures the graceful lines of the late Victorian and Federation periods. Completing the piece is its original safety chain, a feature increasingly sought after by collectors.

An honest note on condition

This brooch is missing one small garnet from the lower body.

We are more than happy to offer it exactly as it has survived for over a century, preserving its authentic history. However, we are actively searching for a period-appropriate antique garnet to sympathetically restore the missing stone. Should a suitable replacement be found before sale, the listing may be updated accordingly.

For many collectors, untouched originality is part of the charm.

Features

• Willis & Son, Collins Street, Melbourne
• Original Unicorn hallmark
• Solid 9ct gold
• Authentic Australian Kookaburra design
• Set with natural seed pearls
• Set with deep red garnets
• Original safety chain attached
• Beautiful hand-carved feather detailing
• Warm antique gold patina
• Rare Australian maker

Why Willis & Son?

Willis & Son was one of Melbourne’s premier manufacturing jewellers during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, producing fine jewellery that rivalled the best European workshops while celebrating Australian identity. Their pieces are increasingly sought after by collectors, particularly those bearing the distinctive unicorn maker’s mark.

Native Australian animal jewellery by Willis & Son is exceptionally collectible, representing an important chapter in Australia’s jewellery-making history.

Perfect for

• Collectors of Australian antique jewellery
• Willis & Son collectors
• Federation and Edwardian jewellery enthusiasts
• Native Australian wildlife jewellery collections
• Museum-quality Australian design
• Slow fashion lovers
• A uniquely Australian heirloom gift
• People who are visiting Australia and want a memento
• People who have just made Australia their home