ABC Bullion and Sister Company, W.J. Sanders, Unveil Aurelia Elephas Ahead of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Gold Dinner

W.J. Sanders, subsidiary of Pallion and sister company to ABC Bullion, is proud to unveil Aurelia Elephas—an extraordinary elephant-inspired clutch created for the 2026 Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Gold Dinner.

Valued at $500,000, the sculptural piece will be presented as part of the Gold Dinner’s exclusive live auction, with proceeds supporting the future of paediatric healthcare through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Evoking themes of preciousness, strength, wisdom and protection, the title combines Aurelia, derived from the Latin word for “golden”, with Elephas, the classical Latin word for elephant.

Created in response to the event’s Natural World theme for 2026, Aurelia Elephas draws upon W.J. Sanders’ maker’s mark—depicting an elephant—while also referencing centuries of precious-metal craftsmanship, from ancient ceremonial objects through to the great jewellery maisons of the twentieth century.

Entirely hand crafted by W.J. Sanders artisans, the work features a hand-raised sterling silver elephant body with 18ct yellow gold detailing and 706 hand-set gemstones, including over 18 carats of diamonds and over 100 carats of vivid green tsavorite garnets sustainably sourced from East Africa.

Over 500 hours went into the production of Aurelia Elephas, reflecting the extraordinary level of artistry and technical precision required to realise the work.

The design references celebrated works including the Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, Tutankhamun’s Cobra and Vulture Crown and the Silver Swan automaton at The Bowes Museum, while also drawing upon the rich traditions of animal symbolism explored throughout the history of the world’s great jewellery houses and ceremonial cultures.

Pallion CEO Andrew Cochineas said the work reflects the enduring partnership between Pallion and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

“For over a decade, ABC Bullion and the wider Pallion group have proudly supported the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Gold Dinner. This piece celebrates extraordinary Australian craftsmanship, but more importantly, it represents the generosity of a community coming together to help create better futures for children and families.”

Darren May, General Manager of W.J. Sanders, said the elephant carried both emotional and symbolic significance throughout the design process.

“The elephant is W.J. Sanders’ original maker’s mark, so the concept felt deeply personal from the beginning. Beyond its symbolism of protection, prosperity and good fortune, the elephant also carries a strong connection to childhood—representing memory, curiosity, playfulness and community. We wanted the piece to feel optimistic and uplifting, particularly within the context of supporting children and families through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.”

Featuring a concealed clasp activated by a central amethyst gemstone and a ceremonial red silk tassel symbolising prosperity and protection, Aurelia Elephas was conceived as more than a luxury object.

Through supporting the future of paediatric healthcare, the successful bidder becomes part of the piece’s history—with the elephant intended to serve as an enduring reminder of the goodwill and tangible impact their contribution has created for children and families.

Aurelia Elephas will be auctioned live at the SCHF Gold Dinner on Thursday, 4 June 2026. Support the work of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation at schf.org.au