Evan Jones' Rare Gold and Opal Colonial Brooch

A rare and important colonial Australian gold and opal brooch by Evan Jones of Sydney, the oval frame applied and sculpted with palm trees, emu, kangaroo and balga grass plant, framing the large oval polished quality opal panel of colours representing the water and sunset sky. Signed by the maker Evan Jones (1846-1917) a Sydney jeweller who later became an Alderman on the city council, length 4.7 cm. Note: Jones, born in London 1846 arrived in Sydney about 1855 and was later apprenticed to a goldsmith in Hunter Street. Establishing his own business c.1873. He is noted as being the most prominent silversmith in Sydney during the second half of the 19th century winning many awards and at exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. He and his workshop are credited with making an inkstand for pope Pius IX, a salver made of Australian gold presented to (Saint) John Henry Newman and a gold crown for King George of Tonga. His works are held by the National Gallery of Australia.