Limoges porcelain is not named after a single porcelain manufacturer, but rather, after a specific region in France. This region is the only place in the world where kaolin can be found - the pure white, translucent, clay that is used in the manufacture of some of the finest porcelain ever created.
The city of Limoges sits in the centre of this region, and has become known as the Porcelain Capital of the world. Many potteries within the region use the Limoges name, and feature it in their own distinctive backstamps.
Limoges Fragonard porcelain is a classic style of French decorative ware featuring 18th-century designs, often in Rococo style, paired with cobalt blue or burgundy backgrounds and elaborate 22k gold gilding. The designs are based on the paintings of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, depicting romantic, rural scenes of couples, known as "courting" or "love" scenes.
The plate this gorgeous brooch was crafted from was decorated by Jean Feuillade, who operated a porcelain decorating workshop in Limoges from the 1960’s. This plate was probably manufactured some time in the 1970’s.
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 brooch is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
This brooch measures 30mm across x 5mm deep.
The clasp is sterling silver.
Limoges porcelain, Fragonard, large round vintage china brooch
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.