Taylor & Kent were fine bone china and majolica manufacturers at the Florence Works, High Street, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Established in 1876 as Taylor & Kent, the business was controlled by the Kent family from an early age. The company, along with many other English potteries, closed temporarily from 1941 for the duration of the Second World War.
In 1947 it was purchased by two brothers - Oswald and Derek Shufflebottom, with the 'Taylor & Kent' name remaining unchanged. In 1961 the company began to use the trade name 'Elizabethan China', and in 1982 the company became 'Elizabethan Fine Bone China Ltd'. Eventually, in 1994 after merging with other potteries, the Elizabethan China Co joined the Churchill China stable of firms.
These earrings were crafted from two matching chipped tea cups, glazed in a lovely baby pink outside, and with a voluptuous bouquet of flowers right inside the base of the cup.
The pattern is unidentified, but the shape of the cup dates it to the 1930'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 these earrings is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
The hooks and links are sterling silver.
The large rounds of these earrings measure 24mm across x 5mm deep.
The smaller drop rounds measure 15mm across x 5mm deep.
They weigh about 85gms.
Taylor and Kent, 'Bouquet of Flowers', double-dangly 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.