'Bunnykins' began as a range of china nurseryware from Royal Doulton in 1934.
The idea for the range was spawned when Royal Doulton Burslem General Manager, Cuthbert Bailey, approached his daughter, Barbara, with the suggestion that she design some illustrations for a range of nurseryware. Drawing on inspiration from her childhood and her love of watching the wild rabbits around her childhood home, Barbara created a family of (initially 8) rabbits performing everyday human-like activities in the fictional village of Little Twitching.
Royal Doulton 'Bunnykins' china was used by the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and thus became a popular present given as christening and birthday gifts.
This jewellery is made from what I have always called the 'Playing Dress-ups' pattern, featuring numerous Bunnies and their Mousey friends, playing and dressing up in fancy clothes. This particular ring shows a small mouse Bunny-friend, wearing a green jumper and peeking oout from under the flowing yellow cape of another dress-up Bunny.
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 this ring is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
This round ring is 15mm across and 5mm deep.
The ring is fully adjustable to fit all sizes.
Royal Doulton Bunnykins vintage china, Dress Ups green mouse, small ring
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.