Royal Tudorware 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 still 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 ring, indicates that it was produced under the Wartime Concentration Scheme, sometime between 1941 and 1945.
As with all Goosehouse Designs jewellery, this unique piece has been individually handcrafted by me in my studio.
The silver in this ring is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
The ring is 26mm x 20mm across and 5mm deep.
The ring is fully adjustable to fit all sizes.
Royal Tudorware, Barker Brothers, Yellow flower, vintage china 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 is easily adjustable, but care must be taken not to bend the ring band 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.