Amongst collectors bone china has long been considered as the standard for high-quality, elegant dishware. It is characterized by its slim design, lightweight handling, and delicate patterns and it is a cherished possession of numerous people of significance such as royalty as well as those who simply enjoy owning things of value. These tips for selecting fine English bone china tea sets will help buyers know what to look for and choose only the best.
There are several different brands of bone china tea sets available on the market. Each has its own unique styling and signature patterns associated with it, and this is largely a matter of personal preference on the behalf of the one doing the purchasing. Some of these also fall into the vintage or antique category and can be worth considerably more.
The percentage of cow bone ash the china is made up of determines its quality. The top tier pieces contain between 30 and 45 percent. Two firings are applied to fine bone china, as opposed to regular china which only receives one. First a standard firing is done, followed by a second one during which a protective glazing is applied to give the dishes improved strength and break-resistance. Occasionally flaws occur during this process, which collectors should watch out for prior to purchasing a set.
Sets come in different sizes as well. The largest piece, the teapot itself, can have a capacity of anywhere from one cup to three liters, with most being one or two liters. Some sets may include more cups and saucers than others as well as additional pieces such as serving plates, creamer and sugar bowl etc.
Whichever color and style the buyer is in search of, chances are there is a tea set to match it. They may buy based on this criteria, or they might want to select one that is a close match to other dishes they own. Both classic, solid designs, and more complex ones can be found, and some which are somewhere in between.
Antique sets are best appraised by a professional. Generally the value of the set depends on how large the pieces are and how many there are. Individual pieces are often worth more as single units than they are as a full set, although some buyers do seek the latter.
The overall condition of the set plays a big role in its value. Even minor imperfections such as cracks, chips, and discolored spots, can negatively impact the worth. A "backstamp" is a mark which indicates the manufacturer and sometimes the name of the pattern too, this can also be particularly helpful for determining its date of manufacture.
With proper care a bone china tea set can become a family heirloom passed down to future generations. The less the set is handled, the longer it will stand up for in most cases. An enclosed cabinet is the ideal place to store them. They should only be cleaned with mild, soapy water as needed. Gentle handling is key to the longevity of the pieces.
There are several different brands of bone china tea sets available on the market. Each has its own unique styling and signature patterns associated with it, and this is largely a matter of personal preference on the behalf of the one doing the purchasing. Some of these also fall into the vintage or antique category and can be worth considerably more.
The percentage of cow bone ash the china is made up of determines its quality. The top tier pieces contain between 30 and 45 percent. Two firings are applied to fine bone china, as opposed to regular china which only receives one. First a standard firing is done, followed by a second one during which a protective glazing is applied to give the dishes improved strength and break-resistance. Occasionally flaws occur during this process, which collectors should watch out for prior to purchasing a set.
Sets come in different sizes as well. The largest piece, the teapot itself, can have a capacity of anywhere from one cup to three liters, with most being one or two liters. Some sets may include more cups and saucers than others as well as additional pieces such as serving plates, creamer and sugar bowl etc.
Whichever color and style the buyer is in search of, chances are there is a tea set to match it. They may buy based on this criteria, or they might want to select one that is a close match to other dishes they own. Both classic, solid designs, and more complex ones can be found, and some which are somewhere in between.
Antique sets are best appraised by a professional. Generally the value of the set depends on how large the pieces are and how many there are. Individual pieces are often worth more as single units than they are as a full set, although some buyers do seek the latter.
The overall condition of the set plays a big role in its value. Even minor imperfections such as cracks, chips, and discolored spots, can negatively impact the worth. A "backstamp" is a mark which indicates the manufacturer and sometimes the name of the pattern too, this can also be particularly helpful for determining its date of manufacture.
With proper care a bone china tea set can become a family heirloom passed down to future generations. The less the set is handled, the longer it will stand up for in most cases. An enclosed cabinet is the ideal place to store them. They should only be cleaned with mild, soapy water as needed. Gentle handling is key to the longevity of the pieces.
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