Royal Tudor Ware was manufactured by the Barker Brothers from 1876 to 1880/82 at Gold Street, Longton and then at the Meir Works, Barker Street, Longton. In 1910 the business was bought by the brothers William and Arthur Hewitt, although the name 'Barker Bros' continued to be used.
In 1939 Sampson Smith's was also purchased by the Hewitt brothers. Gerald Hewitt directed Sampson Smith's & Arnold Hewitt, Barker Bros. From 1941 to 1945 production of both companies was at the Barker Bros factory.
In 1959 Barker Bros was taken over by Alfred Clough. The name Barker Bros continued to be used until the business closed in 1981. The name ROYAL TUDOR continued to be used by sucessor businesses including Grindley of Stoke (1972-1982) and Federated Potteries (1982-87).
After much researching of this particular pattern I have been unable to find the name of the design. The 'B' above the Maker's Mark, on the back of the plate used for this pendant, indicates that it was produced under the Wartime Concentration Scheme, sometime between 1941 and 1945. The lovely autumn colours give such a subtle decoration - so different from much of the chintzware that was popular at the time.
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 pendant is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
This round pendant measures 30mm 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"
Royal Tudor Ware Barker Brothers vintage china, round 'autumn colours' 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.