J. & G. Meakin was an English pottery founded in 1851 and based in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. In the 19th century, J. & G. Meakin was known for the vast quantities of cheap ironstone china it produced for the domestic English market and for export.
This pretty little bon bon dish, decorated with lush roses, is one of the many patterns created by Meakin under the 'Sunshine 561073' backstamp, and dates from between 1912 and 1937. The delicate fronds shown on this pendant are so lovely.
As with all Goosehouse Designs jewellery, this pendant was individually handcrafted by me in my studio.
The silver in this pendant is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
This square pendant measures 24mm x 24mm x 5mm.
The pendant comes with your choice of necklace -
wire collar 46cm/18"
box chain 56cms/22"
link chain 66cms/26"
snake chain 70cms/27"
J&G Meakin 'Sunshine flower bowl' square pendant
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.