The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #67717 Message #1207320
Posted By: Bob Bolton
14-Jun-04 - 08:04 PM
Thread Name: Eureka stockade 150 years old (songs about)
Subject: RE: Eureka stockade 150 years old
G'day bev.magill,
Have a close look at the engraving inside the ring. The official name (1851) was "Ballaarat" - so it may be that the first 'r' of your reading is actually an 'a'. The name was, apparently, a local Aboriginal language (Wuywurung ... ?) word for "resting place" ... at least, until all those white fellas started feverishly digging for gold!
I do have a publication on goldfields jewellery - aimed mostly at collectors/investors. I'll see if I can dig it out, but that is mainly interested in the larger pieces, especially those featuring distinctive goldfields motifs. The vast bulk of goldfields jewellery was knocked up by local, colonial, goldsmiths and was more notable for gold content than for high design. Most of this was melted down for its gold value when the money ran out!
A small piece, with probably more sentimental attachment ... such as a ring might have ... would be a likely survival - but of more personal than intrinsic value.