ITEM DESCRIPTION:

WILLIAM KERR OF SYDNEY Australian Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Filigree Ring

A wonderful old ring manufactured by iconic Australian jeweller W.Kerr of Sydney Circa: 1900. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold has a ornate filigree setting, platinum claw set with four old mine cut natural light yellow diamonds, please note: the fifth stone on the end is not a diamond but a white sapphire in the same old cut. Total diamond weight estimated 0.30 carats

CONDITION:

In overall good antique condition, one diamond has been replaced at some stage with a white sapphire.

RING SIZE:

Australian Size ~ N ~

US Size ~ 6 1/2 ~

MEASUREMENTS:

Setting Height ~ 4 mm

Setting Width ~ 3.5 mm

Band Width Back ~ 2 mm

Diamonds ~ 1x 3mm 2x 2.75mm 1x 2.2 mm

White Sapphire ~ 1 x 2.2 mm

WEIGHT:

2.94 grams

HALLMARK:

18c PLAT.A

MAKER MARK:

W.KERR

HISTORY OF WILLIAM KERR

William Kerr was a leading watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith in Sydney during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Born in Northern Ireland in 1838, Kerr migrated to Australia with his family as a child on board the New York Packet in 1841. Trained as a watchmaker, he established a small jewellery business with his two older brothers in Palmer Street, Sydney circa. 1857. In 1863, following the death of his brothers, William Kerr set up a business at 68 William Street in partnership with Frederick Morris. Between 1864 and 1875, he worked for Hardy Bros. before establishing his shop at 574 George Street, opposite St Andrew's Cathedral. In 1882, Kerr opened a second shop in King Street and in 1883, his principal business was relocated to 544 George Street, Sydney opposite the Town Hall.

Today, Kerr is mostly remembered for his distinctive silver trophies, featuring Australian motifs, three of them receiving a highly commended award at Sydney's International Exhibition in 1879. William Kerr passed away in 1896 and the business was managed by Willian’s three sons, William, Walter and Harry. Kerr’s sons continued to use the W. KERR maker’s mark until the business closed in 1938.