From the mid-19th century the Roberts family of Carrigaline Co. Cork ran corn and flax mills. The mills closed in 1922. Hodder Roberts felt that as bricks were made locally at nearby Ballinphellic perhaps pottery vessels could also be made. He took a sample of clay to the famous potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, England, to establish if it were suitable. There he met Louis T. Keeling, a local pottery school graduate. Keeling carried out tests on the clay and produced a functional teapot. Following this success, Carrigaline Potteries was opened in 1928. Its products bear the marks Carrigaline Pottery or Carrig Ware.
These small round earrings with their brilliant green shamrock were crafted from an eggcup manufactured c1960s.
These earrings come with a matching ring if you wish.
See ‘china rings’ or ‘china jewellery sets’
As with all Goosehouse Designs jewellery, this unique jewellery is individually handcrafted by me in my studio. My upcycled, sustainable, broken china jewellery is crafted from ethically-sourced, pre-damaged, vintage china, that would otherwise end up in landfill. It is the perfect romantic gift for wedding anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and any time you want to show your love through a treasured piece of artisan jewellery.
Your Goosehouse Designs jewellery will be sent to you carefully wrapped and packaged using recycled and recyclable materials. I am committed, at all times, to operating my business in every way I can to be kinder and gentler to the planet.
The silver in these earrings is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
The hooks are sterling silver.
These earrings measure 15mm across and 3mm deep.
Carrigaline Co. Ireland, vintage china, Irish shamrock round earrings
The vintage china I use in my jewellery pieces is all recycled from pieces found at garage sales and op. shops, or through vintage dealers, who are happy to pass on some of their less-than-perfect items. I carefully cut out the selected section of china, shape it by hand, then grind the edges nice and smooth. I securely fix the piece into the sterling silver blank, then grout it so it stays firmly in place.
As with all artisan jewellery, some care needs to be taken to keep your piece in as-new condition.
The vintage china in your piece may well be up to a hundred years old, and needs to be treated accordingly. It is not recommended that you swim or shower whilst wearing your jewellery, nor that you wear it gardening or playing sport or any other activity where the item may get badly knocked. China is breakable, after all.
The sterling silver ring and earring hooks are easily adjustable, but care must be taken not to bend them too quickly or too sharply. As with all metals, if they are worked roughly they may break.
The sterling silver bezel will enjoy a regular simple polish with a quality silvercloth. If you do use silver polish, do not get it on the china or the grout. Do not use strong chemicals on your jewellery.