THE STORY BEHIND THE ECHUNGA COLLECTION

The Echunga collection has been deeply entwined with the history of Gerard McCabe, its inspiration stemming from founder Gerard’s experiences in the early 1990’s. Named after the sleepy village town nestled in the leafy Adelaide Hills, the Echunga collection of jewellery is deeply connected to the town’s local folklore, history and the very essence of Australian natural beauty.

IT STARTED WITH FIVE DIAMONDS

In addition to his responsibilities as owner and namesake of his jewellery business, Gerard McCabe is also a respected jewellery valuer. In this capacity, Gerard was engaged by the Museum of South Australia to appraise five diamonds which were reported to have been found at Echunga. In accepting the project and embarking on his research to value the diamonds, he was about to stumble upon a mystery that would influence his work for the next thirty years. 

Gerard McCabe's research and sketches from his estimations of the values of the original five Echunga Diamonds. 

.. I do believe there is a significant number of collectors who would pay quite a premium to acquire them, particularly with the increased interest in all things Australian over the past ten years.

- Gerard McCabe in a letter of estimated valuation to Jack Townsend, 22 September 1994

an unsolved mystery

Up to 50 diamonds are said to have been found in Echunga since the first discovery in 1859. A known gold field, miners working the alluvial gold deposits at the Echunga Diggings reported finding small gem quality diamond crystals in the area. The mystery however, is how these diamonds arrived in the Echunga area - there is no scientific evidence to suggest the presence of kimberlite pipes which are essential to the formation and deposit of diamonds. Later a commissioned survey in the 1970s further explored Echunga and Lobethal confirming that there were no mineral deposits that indicated the presence of kimberlite pipes or diamonds. 

So, where did the diamonds come from? 

At the time of writing, the exact geological origin of these diamonds are still unknown, and only five of the diamonds found at Echunga in the 19th century can be authenticated.

Gerard’s theory is that the diamonds may have been formed during the time of Gondwanaland when Australia was part of a supercontinent. He posits that the diamonds ended up depositing in Echunga through tectonic activity or glacial ice flows, thus the true source of the Echunga diamonds may actually be near Antarctica.

rare coloured diamonds

The mysterious origin of the stones coupled with their unusual colours and rarity make them a valuable part of South Australian folklore and history. As Gerard continued his research he made some interesting discoveries about the stones in his stewardship.

The largest and most significant of the collection was the “Glover Stone” named after John Glover who made its discovery in 1877. At 2.93ct this yellow diamond was said to have originally been a pale red colour, but changed to yellow as a result of being stored with radioactive material at the South Australian Museum in the 1950’s.

Echunga Carina Ring | Gerard McCabe

a collection is born

The Echunga diamonds left a great impression on Gerard. In 2012, nearly twenty years after he first discovered their story, he launched a collection of diamond jewellery designs inspired by their mysterious folklore. 

The Echunga Collection features natural coloured diamonds inspired by the colours and shapes of the original stones discovered in the Echunga Goldfields. From shades of pale yellow, to golden tones of cognac, to greens, blues and pinks, the diamonds in each design are carefully arranged to achieve harmonious balance.

Echunga Firework Ring | Gerard McCabe

Every design in the Echunga collection is unique, their arrangement of coloured diamond stones is different in each piece. The colours found in each piece are described as a “flavour”, with each combination of flavours being completely unique. While flavours aren’t a technical diamond term, they speak to the exciting and playful spirit of their origin story.

FORESHAW, NEW RUSH HILL & CHRISTMAS RUSH

No two diamonds are the same in the Echunga collection. Within the collections are designs inspired by stories from a bygone era, where any person could make their fortune in a chance discovery at the gold fields of Echunga.

One of our most memorable designs is the award-winning Foreshaw ring, named for Robert Foreshaw who was reportedly the first person to discover diamonds in the Echunga area. With its balance of colours inspired by nature, the Foreshaw design is a blooming floral cluster of sparkling diamonds.Four natural coloured diamonds are carefully arranged, framed with white and pink diamonds, beautifully complemented with a white and rose gold setting.

Echunga Foreshaw Ring | Gerard McCabe

The Echunga Goldfield was the home of a number of gold mines, including Christmas Rush and New Rush Hill. Our collection of everyday wearable designs are named after these landmarks. Gerard McCabe’s Christmas Rush ring designs are a versatile and elegant eternity style ring perfect for wearing alone or layering for more impact. For a glamorous yet understated look, Echunga’s New Rush Hill earring and pendant designs feature our signature coloured diamonds arranged in an articulated drop. The coloured diamonds in each pair of earrings is carefully matched to its sibling.

INTRODUCING JUPITER CREEK

Jupiter Creek is the newest addition to Echunga, a collection of elegant bead set necklets and rings. The hues of the diamonds draw inspiration from Jupiter Creek’s rich legacy and history during the South Australian gold rush which lasted from 1868 to 1907. 

Shop Echunga Collection | Gerard McCabe

Inspired by mysterious folklore, rugged landscapes and an adventurous spirit, Gerard McCabe’s Echunga Collection is deeply woven into our history, stretching back thirty years. Each arrangement of diamonds is carefully sourced and curated by our team of designers, and no two arrangements are alike. Using only the finest natural diamonds, Echunga designs include luxurious statement pieces as well as jewellery for everyday wear.


Discover the Echunga collection online or in-store today!