Founded in 1941 by Yasaburo Iwama, in Nagoya, Japan, the Nitto Sangyo Company began life as an importer of raw ceramic materials. It also manufactured unique stoneware for the domestic and export market. Stoneware is usually thicker in appearance and more opaque than other ceramics, and like its name, has a stone-like appearance and density. Stoneware can also vary in colour, and is extremely durable due to its high firing temperature.
The Nitto Overtones plate this jewellery was crafted from has the Pagoda 1828 mark on the back, indicate it to have been designed sometime mid-century - so anywhere from 1950 -to 1960s. However, the instructions on the back re microwaves and dishwashers make me think this is a more modern-day production of this older design, perhaps post 1970s.
This plate, and therefore this jewellery, has a lovely matt-like finish on the surface, rather than the more glossy glazes we are used to in our dinnerware.
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 26mm x 20mm x 5mm deep.
Nitto Overtones, Japan, matt finish, vintage china oval drop 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.