Gold ring with clasped nugget

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Type: Finger rings
Date: 1855 - 1865
Place: Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
Materials: Gold, Metal - non specific
Collection: Trevor Kennedy collection
Accession number: 2020.0002.0075

Description

A gold ring with a gold nugget in the middle being held on each side by hands. The hands extend down into wrists and arms which wrap around to form the back of the ring. The ring features different finishes on the gold; smooth for the arms, and brushed for the hands. The hallmark on the inside of the ring reads 'W. T.' with a crown symbol on either side.

This ring features a naturally-formed gold nugget was a product of the nineteenth century gold rushes in Australia. Jewellery with stylised mining tools or nuggets was made as a memento and display of a miner's success. This design is derived from the Irish claddagh or European fede style of ring, presented as a token of love and unity.

Read live from the Museum's Collection API (12/11/2026, 4:58:34 am). Record last updated by the Museum 2025-11-18. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.