Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What makes this jewelry "chinoiserie" style, and where does that term come from?

Chinoiserie refers to European decorative styles that borrow motifs from Chinese art and design, popular in England and elsewhere from the 18th century onward. Staffordshire potteries adapted many of these blue and white designs for their own transferware production, which is the same tradition this jewelry's china comes from.

Why has blue and white china stayed so popular for centuries?

Blue and white porcelain traces back to Chinese blue-and-white wares, which European potteries like Staffordshire began adapting into their own chinoiserie designs starting in the 18th century. The style has stayed popular ever since, in part because cobalt blue holds its color exceptionally well through the firing process, giving these pieces a crisp, lasting contrast that's remained a favorite among collectors for generations.

Why do the 9th, 18th, and 20th anniversaries all suit this piece?

Traditional wedding anniversary gift lists assign a different material to each milestone — pottery for the 9th, porcelain for the 18th, and china for the 20th. Because this jewelry is cut from china, it fits the 20th most directly, though its handcrafted, pottery-based origins give it a natural tie to the 9th and 18th as well.