Founded in 1897 by William Moorcroft who created all the original designs, with each piece imprinted with his own personal mark before it left the studio.   William Moorcroft’s pursuit of excellence and originality led him to split from the large ceramic company he first worked for.  His first works were supported by funds from Liberty’s of London and their belief in his skills was shown to be well placed when. in 1928 William became Her Majesty’s Potter in 1928. On the death of his father Walter, William’s son, took over the business and the company remained largely in family hands until 1984. Today, over a hundred years since its founding the factory is still independent and located on its original site in Sandbach Road and the production method created by William Moorcroft in 1897 is almost unchanged today.

A large part of the allure and uniqueness of Moorcoft Pottery is of course its recognizable style with the stunning use of colour a hallmark and instantly recognizable trait which leads to its unique popularity and regard. Remarkably there have only been four Moorcoft Pottery main designers over the course of nearly 100 years.  Today a team of dedicated artists, craftsmen and craftswomen is overseen by the current designer
Internationally the profile of Moorcroft Pottery has grown considerably in recent years with sales of Moorcoft Pottery buoyant and a valuable export for Britain.  Christies hold a dedicated annual Moorcroft sale and many museums around the world, including our own Victoria & Albert Museum, exhibit specimen pieces.

Today examples can be seen and artists can be viewed and spoken to whilst at work at the Moorcroft Pottery Heritage Visitor Centre.  Whilst there you can take the factory tour where you can see methods in use that date back to the 17th Century and you may even get to see the chief designer. 

Moorcroft Pottery pieces are categorized into Hollow Ware – bowls, vases etc.  Flat Ware – plates, plaques etc.  Names of designs over the years have become famous and extremely collectible.  New collections are eagerly anticipated and pieces snapped up quickly.

So, in summary, Moorcroft Pottery is unique, beautiful and wonderfully collectible. A collection with hopefully reward you with years of pleasure and enjoyment and possibly even financial gain.  Perhaps that is why people are still collecting today and will continue to do so in the future.

1) I choose sterling silver jewellery because it can make a wonderful gift. I love to give presents and sterling silver jewellery is equally suitable for young and old.  There is an endless choice of pieces to suit every budget and occasion.   The rise in popularity of internet shopping means that you can browse many suppliers at your leisure.  Find a reliable internet store that is easy to navigate and has secure payment facilities and a fair returns policy.  Using the internet you can shop at your convenience and make the most of the competition on the World Wide Web.

2) I choose sterling silver jewellery because of the huge variety of options in size and look.  Being such an easy material to work with silver can be used to make many many different pieces.  From a simple silver band or plain ring or bangle to the ornate evening wear choker or pendant, from the smallest of stud earrings to huge hoops or drops encrusted with stones.  Sometimes in fact the choices can be almost overwhelming.

3) I choose sterling silver jewellery  for its timelessness. It’s ability to outlast fads and fashions. You can spot similar items being worn by teenagers supremely conscious of fashion and yet also by more senior ladies who have kept treasured pieces over a long period of time because they have never gone out of fashion.  Invest in a piece that you like and feel comfortable with and I guarantee you’ll never get bored with it and you’ll never be behind the times.

4) I choose sterling silver jewellery  because in comparison to the likes of platinum and gold it is relatively inexpensive.  Even keeping to a budget you can purchase so much more for your money – no agonizing between the earrings or the bangle, but get them both and the rest of the set too.  Over time you can build a collection of jewellery for all occasions, meaning you are never short of choice and can always have the perfect accessory for every day and for special occasions too.

5) I choose sterling silver jewellery  because, whilst like all jewellery it is delicate and should be looked after, it is so easy to care for. Its care shouldn’t be too time consuming or difficult.  If it gets wet, dry it - as soon as possible, keep your jewellery away from chemicals – put it on after your deodorant, perfume and makeup.  When you are not wearing your pieces wipe them with a soft cloth and store in a suitable box.  What could be easier?  For really tarnished pieces you can easily come by silver cleaning cloths and solutions.

So, why do I choose sterling silver jewellery? Five reasons: It is great to give as a gift. It allows unlimited options in the looks that can be created with it. It is timeless and transcends fashion. It is affordable and easy to care for.

Budget
Sterling silver jewellery can be a cost effective alternative to more expensive materials. Silver has beauty, luster and radiance and can be a cost effective way of building a collection of jewellery. In comparison to other favourites such as gold and platinum silver is inexpensive.  However it can still give the class of gold and the shine of platinum.

Choice
Silver is an extremely pliable material and is used to make pieces of varying size and look. Take a look at what’s on offer; a simple silver ring, a plain bangle, ornate earrings, simple studs, powerful pendants, charming chokers, even tiaras.  Silver can be relatively easily manipulated to make unique and timeless pieces.

Look
Women have used beautiful pieces throughout time to show off and enhance their natural beauty.  Today a key piece in any woman’s collection will often be a unique piece of sterling silver jewellery. A silver ring can stand out for its beauty and simplicity, a solid silver necklace can complement almost any outfit and a pair of earring can complete the set without breaking the bank.

Flexibility
Unique yet adaptable, that is what sterling silver jewellery can offer.  A simple necklace can  grace the throat of a schoolgirl without seeming inappropriate, yet equally a star on the red carpet can wear a similar piece for understated but stunning effect

Care
Simple to care for looking after your sterling silver jewellery should not be a chore.  Clean with a soft cotton cloth, keep away from perfume and makeup and other chemicals.  Dry quickly if it ever gets wet and  store carefully in a suitable box when not wearing.

Fashion
Never be beholden to it or fall foul of it with sterling silver jewellery.  Pieces that teenagers wear now may be seen being worn by their grandmothers – as they have saved treasured pieces that have stood the  test of time

So to summarise why choose sterling silver jewellery?  Well, your budget should stretch further, it is versatile and you can create a large collection to cover every ocassion. It’s easy to care for. And it is beautiful!