Summary

Pearl and garnet brooch made by Charles Wilks, a jeweller who went from Maryborough to Echuca to establish a jeweller's business in circa 1900. He was a member of a family of jewellers, a five-generation family jewellers first established in Maryborough in the 1860s. The brooch was used in Echuca until 1990.

Physical Description

Star-shaped gold brooch set with pearls and red stones - possibly garnets. The brooch is fastened by a pin at the back, and secured by a gold-plated safety pin. There is a larger red stone in the centre, which is surrounded by six star-shaped "petals" set with pearls and six red stones set in the gaps between the petals.

Significance

This brooch was made by Charles Wilks at Echuca c.1900. Charles was the grandson of a jeweller, J.J. Wilks, who migrated to Victoria from Liverpool within his family in the 'Constance' during the 1850s. He worked in Mt. Alexander, Fryerstown, perhaps buying gold as well as making jewellery. His son, C.J.J. Wilks, established a jewellery shop in Maryborough during the 1860s. The company's name, C.J.J. Wilks and Son, became a five-generation family jeweller; it retained the name and stayed in the same premises until 1973.
C.J.J.Wilks' son Charles (who made this brooch) went to Echuca to set up in business.

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