Home / Collections / New Arrivals / Victorian Australian 15ct Gold Turquoise & Pearl Miniature Locket

Victorian Australian 15ct Gold Turquoise & Pearl Miniature Locket

Close-up of hand-painted portrait miniature on ivory set in a 15ct gold Victorian locket framed by turquoise and natural pearls
$3,500.00
| /

An exceptionally rare example of Australian Victorian jewellery, this exquisite 15ct yellow gold miniature portrait locket pendant by Duggin, Shappere & Co., Melbourne, c. 1898, embodies the sentimentality and fine craftsmanship of the era. At 39mm in diameter, the substantial round locket presents a beautifully preserved, hand-painted portrait miniature rendered on ivory — a delicate, painterly study whose soft brushwork and subtle coloration capture an intimate, highly personal aesthetic characteristic of late 19th-century portrait miniatures.

The portrait is set within an original, finely worked 15ct yellow gold frame and surrounded by a luminous border of bright turquoise cabochons alternating with natural half pearls. The contrasting cool blue of the turquoise and the warm glow of the natural pearls create a refined, jewel like halo that heightens the pendant’s visual impact while remaining true to period taste. The gold mounting, the quality of the stone and pearl settings, and the overall scale of the piece all speak to a shop capable of first class finish — fittingly, this locket is signed to the interior by the notable Australian firm Duggin, Shappere & Co., confirming its provenance and underscoring its rarity as an Australian-made Victorian jewel.

Equally moving is the deeply personal hand-engraved inscription on the reverse: “To my darling Mother from her loving daughter Constance. Xmas 1893.” This heartfelt dedication transforms the locket from a decorative object into a poignant keepsake, reflecting Victorian traditions of family memory, mourning, and remembrance. The date and dedication add historical resonance and provenance interest for collectors of sentiment jewellery and portrait miniatures.

This piece is remarkable not only for its aesthetic charm but for its cultural significance — a rare, locally produced example combining fine ivory miniature painting, high quality 15ct gold work, and period gemstone accents. Ideal for the discerning collector or as a museum quality statement of Australian decorative arts, this locket offers both wearable elegance and a tangible link to late 19th century domestic life and craftsmanship.

Circa: 1898
Design Period: Victorian
Jeweller: Duggin, Shappere & Co
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
Gemstones: Turquoise, Natural Pearls and Ivory
Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold
Portrait: Hand Painted
Diameter: 39.00 mm
Accompanied by an Ian Abeshouse Valuation

Duggin Shappere & Co of Melbourne

Duggin Shappere & Co. of Melbourne occupies a notable place in the story of Australian jewellery, combining technical skill, inventive design and an early commitment to local gemstone use. Established in 1896 by partners Harry Duggin and Percy Shappere, the firm quickly earned a reputation for high quality workmanship and distinctive pieces that reflected an emerging national aesthetic.

Working at the turn of the century, an era when Australia was asserting its cultural identity, the company became particularly associated with settings that showcased Australian gems, most notably opals and locally sourced diamonds, which helped their pieces appeal to both domestic and international markets. Harry Duggin emerged as a creative force within the partnership. His designs often drew on native fauna and flora, translating Australiana motifs into wearable art.

Among the firm’s better known models were whimsical yet finely executed animal themed pieces such as the “O’possum” and the “Kookaburra,” which combined naturalistic detail with the refined finishes expected of top tier manufacturing jewellers. These designs demonstrated a sensitivity to form and texture and an ability to balance charm with the restraint favoured by refined clientele.

Duggin Shappere’s hallmark, an anchor stamp, signified the maker’s pride in their production and was used alongside the guarantee marks of the Manufacturing Jeweller’s Association of Victoria, an assurance of quality that collectors and buyers looked for.

The business began in Howey Place off Little Collins Street and, after several relocations, established more permanent premises at 343 Little Collins Street, continuing active trade there until 1932. The company’s work found audiences beyond Melbourne. Duggin Shappere & Co. exhibited at major jewellery shows and attracted coverage in magazines and newspapers both in Australia and overseas, reflecting their dual identity as skilled artisans and shrewd promoters of Australian gem and design traditions.

Like many enterprises of the period, however, the firm was affected by the economic upheavals of the late 1920s. Records show that from 1929 the firm ceased to appear in manufacturing jewellers’ directories, a casualty of the Great Depression.

Today Duggin Shappere & Co. pieces are sought after by collectors interested in late Victorian and Edwardian Australian jewellery, valued not only for their craftsmanship and materials, but as early and expressive examples of an Australian design language in precious metal and stone.

 

LAY-BYS

Love this piece but need more time? Secure it now by getting in contact with us or click on the Chat to set up your Lay-by TODAY!