Some of the most remarkable stories aren’t found in books; they’re tucked away inside jewellery boxes.
From long-forgotten heirlooms to treasured antique store discoveries, our recent Antique Jewellery Roadshow invited guests to uncover the fascinating histories behind their antique and vintage pieces… and the stories shared throughout the day were nothing short of extraordinary.
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations and in conjunction with South Australia’s History Festival, we were proud to welcome back our much-loved Antique Jewellery Roadshow for a special one-day event inside our Adelaide Arcade boutique.
Throughout the day, guests met personally with Gerard, Justin and our team of antique jewellery specialists for private consultations. Treasured pieces were carefully examined for their craftsmanship, materials, age and historical significance. Each visitor was offered a rare opportunity to discover the unique stories woven into their precious keepsakes.
From the moment the doors opened, our Adelaide Arcade boutique was filled with curiosity and conversation. Jewellery boxes were unpacked, family stories were shared, and remarkable pieces emerged from bottom drawers that hadn’t been opened in decades.
Among Gerard’s standout discoveries was an exceptional triangular brooch dating to circa 1880. This marvellous piece featured an intricate checkerboard pattern crafted from pāua shell and mother-of-pearl, created by renowned South Australian jeweller Henry Steiner. “This brooch remains a remarkable example of 19th-century craftsmanship,” said Gerard.
Henry Steiner Pāua Shell & Mother Of Pearl Brooch Circa 1880
Another memorable piece examined on the day was a rare colonial goldfields brooch featuring a pear-shaped blister pearl framed by delicate vine leaves, crafted by early Western Australian jeweller Adolf O. Kopp.
Justin's highlight of the day was coming across a retractable solid gold vintage cocktail swizzle stick, which he described as "a gift for the person who has everything already".
“As usual, the Roadshow didn’t disappoint, as we were able to shine some light on many prized jewellery possessions.”
— Gerard McCabe, Founder
Explore our gallery below for a closer look at some of the remarkable antique and vintage treasures shared with us throughout the event.
For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the day, watch our event recap video below.
“I always enjoy hearing the wonderful stories that accompany our clients’ jewellery.”
— Gerard McCabe, Founder
If you weren’t able to attend our Antique Jewellery Roadshow, our expert team is still here to help uncover the history behind your antique and vintage jewellery.
We offer private appointments for independent valuations for insurance or identification purposes. We are also experts in repair and restoration services, to return your treasured pieces back to their former glory. If you’re considering selling antique or vintage jewellery, you can also book an appointment online to speak directly with our buying team.
On behalf of everyone at Gerard McCabe, thank you to all who joined us for the 40th Anniversary Edition of our Antique Jewellery Roadshow. It was a privilege to welcome so many collectors, families and jewellery lovers into our boutique and share in the excitement of uncovering the untold histories behind these remarkable pieces.
Due to overwhelming demand, this highly anticipated event booked out quickly once again. If you missed out this time, you can register your interest for an upcoming event which we look forward to announcing soon.
To stay updated, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, where we’ll be sharing exclusive Roadshow deep-dive episodes. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about future events and explore our latest antique and vintage arrivals, released online every Friday at midday.
Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind antique treasure or simply want to try on a piece of history, we invite you to visit us in-store at our Adelaide Arcade or Rundle Mall Plaza boutiques, or browse our curated collection online.
"The Gerard McCabe Antique Roadshow was a fun filled day of discovery and delight. It was as much a joy for us as it was for our clients to talk about the history of their pieces."
— Justin McCabe, Co-Managing Director.