Antique 1930s Australian Opal Doublet Brooch by Rhoda Wager

Vintage Rhoda Wager opal brooch from circa 1930, highlighting unique Australian craftsmanship and design.

Signed Rhoda Wager opal doublet brooch framed in gold and silver, emphasising intricate detailing.

Rhoda Wager Australian opal doublet brooch featuring gold and silver leaf design, showcasing vibrant colours.

Artisan Australian opal brooch by Rhoda Wager with beautiful leaf design, reflecting nature-inspired craftsmanship.

Signed Rhoda Wager opal brooch in gold and silver, showcasing exquisite artistry and elegance.

This stunning Australian oval opal doublet brooch by Rhoda Wager beautifully encapsulates her artistic vision and mastery of materials. Framed in gold on silver, the brooch features a captivating 19.00 x 15.80 mm opal doublet that dazzles with vibrant colours, showcasing Wager's signature use of Australian gemstones.

Crafted in the 1930s, this piece is adorned with intricate leaf decorations, reflecting Wager's affinity for nature-inspired motifs. The harmonious combination of gold and silver enhances the opal's iridescent hues, creating a striking contrast that draws the eye. Signed by Wager, this brooch not only exemplifies her dedication to craftsmanship but also pays homage to the rich heritage of Australian jewellery design.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and incorporation of organic elements, Wager's creations remain a testament to her significant impact on the jewellery landscape. This brooch is a remarkable representation of her legacy, combining elegance with a deep connection to the natural world.

Circa: 1930
Designer: Rhoda Wager
Origin: Australia
Motif: Leaf Decorations
Gemstone: Opal Doublet
Cut: Oval
Stone Measurements: 19.00 x 15.80 mm
Metal: Gold on Sterling Silver
Brooch Measurements: 30.00 x 20.00 mm
Signed by Rhoda Wager
Accompanied by an Independent Ian Abeshouse Valuation

Australian Designer - Rhoda Wager (1875-1953)

Rhoda Wager was a prominent jewellery designer whose work and life reflect a deep commitment to artistry and craftsmanship. Born in 1875, in Mile End Old Town, London, she was one of five children in the Wager family. Growing up in Bristol, she pursued her passion for art at the local art school before furthering her studies in drawing and painting at the Glasgow School of Art from 1897 to 1903. Wager began showcasing her metalwork and jewellery as early as 1901 at the Glasgow Art Club and became a member of the Glasgow Society of Lady Artists.

In 1913, Wager relocated to her brother's sugar plantation in Fiji, eventually moving to Sydney in 1918, where she reignited her jewellery-making career. She married marine surveyor Percival George in 1920 and became an active participant in the Society of Arts and Crafts of New South Wales. Her work gained recognition through exhibitions in Melbourne and Brisbane, and she sold her creations at Farmer & Co. Ltd.

Wager's studio in Martin Place attracted clients from prestigious hotels, allowing her to expand her operations and employ assistants, including her niece, Dorothy Wager. Throughout her career, she relocated her studio several times, ultimately retiring in 1946. Known for her intricate, hand-wrought jewellery, her designs often featured Australian motifs such as gum leaves and incorporated precious stones like opals and yellow sapphires. Each piece was meticulously crafted and documented in her sketchbooks, with an impressive output of around 12,000 pieces.

As a generous and witty individual, Wager was a strong-willed businesswoman who played a significant role in the Australian jewellery landscape. She passed away in Brisbane on December 2, 1953, leaving behind a lasting legacy that remains closely tied to the English Arts and Crafts Movement.