Summary

'Mizpah' brooch made by Melbourne jeweller Willis & Sons, around 1910.

During the nineteenth century, thousands of 'Mizpah' brooches were manufactured, particularly in England. The Hebrew word 'Mizpah' has romantic connections, as its meaning of 'watchtower' made it ideal to give to a loved one when departing. 'May the Lord look after thee while we are apart', is typically engraved on brooches.

'Mizpah' rings were also popular, of which thousands were also manufactured in England, and, as with brooches, they were crafted in both gold and silver.

This 'Mizpah' brooch is the only one known to have been crafted in Australia, and survived.

This brooch has a distinctive Australiana theme not seen in any other brooch of the same genre. Featuring both a boomerang and map of Australia, there is no doubt about its origin. It is also adorned with a leaf at each end of the boomerang and the popular seed pearl inserts often seen in Edwardian jewellery. This may have been a gift to a loved-one leaving Australia.

The brooch is presented in a Hardy Bros box.

Physical Description

Gold boomerang with a map of Australia behind the words 'Mizpah'. At the base of the boomerang is a central ruby set in a golden star. At each end of the boomerang are three leaves, each containing a seed pearl.

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