Bone china is highly regarded as one of the finest types of collectible dishware. Admired by those with discerning taste for both its beauty and surprising durability, these lightweight pieces have come to be associated with royalty and other people of high social standing. Buyers who are interested in purchasing fine English bone china tea sets should follow these guidelines in order to find exactly what they are looking for.
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 quality of bone china is determined by the percentage of cow bone ash it is composed of. The best quality is that which contains 30 to 45 percent. It differs from ordinary china in that it is fired two times; the first is a standard firing, and the second is with a protective glaze to make it stronger so it is more resistant to breaking and will last for many years. Sometimes flaws occur during this process, and buyers should be mindful of this.
Some tea sets contain more pieces than others, as they meant to serve a larger number of people. The teapot is the largest piece, and it will generally have a volume between one cup and three liters. The quantity of cups and saucers, as well as other pieces like serving plates, the sugar dish and creamer, can vary as well.
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.
When it comes to antique sets, it's a good idea to get them appraised by a professional. Its worth is mostly determined by the number of pieces and the size they are. Those with larger place settings will normally attract a higher price tag. Usually the individual pieces of a set are worth more separately, unless the collector is interested in the complete set.
Sets in excellent condition can be expected to naturally fetch a higher price than those with damage or defects such as discolorations, chips, and cracks. Checking the "backstamp" on every piece will state the name of the manufacturer and possibly the pattern, information which is useful for dating the tea set.
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 quality of bone china is determined by the percentage of cow bone ash it is composed of. The best quality is that which contains 30 to 45 percent. It differs from ordinary china in that it is fired two times; the first is a standard firing, and the second is with a protective glaze to make it stronger so it is more resistant to breaking and will last for many years. Sometimes flaws occur during this process, and buyers should be mindful of this.
Some tea sets contain more pieces than others, as they meant to serve a larger number of people. The teapot is the largest piece, and it will generally have a volume between one cup and three liters. The quantity of cups and saucers, as well as other pieces like serving plates, the sugar dish and creamer, can vary as well.
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.
When it comes to antique sets, it's a good idea to get them appraised by a professional. Its worth is mostly determined by the number of pieces and the size they are. Those with larger place settings will normally attract a higher price tag. Usually the individual pieces of a set are worth more separately, unless the collector is interested in the complete set.
Sets in excellent condition can be expected to naturally fetch a higher price than those with damage or defects such as discolorations, chips, and cracks. Checking the "backstamp" on every piece will state the name of the manufacturer and possibly the pattern, information which is useful for dating the tea set.
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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