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The latest addition to our beloved China Cabinet collection is here! Shop Oyster Plate pendants now, the perfect gift for the hostess or antique collector in your life.
The History of Oyster Plates
The oyster plate was first used in the Victorian Era when oysters served on the half shell became a delicacy. Before the advent of oyster plates, oysters were often served on flat plates.
The first ceramic and porcelain oyster plates began appearing in France in the early 19th century, crafted by fine porcelain makers like Haviland & Co. and Minton.
By the mid-19th century, Victorian-era dining customs emphasized elaborate table settings, and oyster plates became a status symbol among the wealthy. Hostesses would outdo each other by presenting new ornate and intricate designs when entertaining.
Today, oyster plates are trending upwards once again, with antiquaries regarding them as high-demand. Many collectors will display them as wall hangings or arrange them as focal points on shelving. A simple search of the hashtag #oysterplates on Instagram will give you over 10,000 results of these collectibles in various sizes, shapes, and magnificent colors.
Oysters have been a long-standing staple in the Susan Shaw collection of motifs, and when we first began ideating the China Cabinet Collection, the oyster plate seemed a natural fit. While there are many vintage oyster plates that use scallop shells and other shapes to hold the oysters, in designing our pendant we knew ours had to include the oyster shape itself. Intricate detail and craftsmanship went into the creation of our plate-inspired pendant.
Perfect for collectors, our original and beautifully detailed oyster plate jewelry tells a story of refined entertaining and the artistry of a bygone era.