While it can be cozy and relaxing to curl up with a mug of tea an increasing number of people are starting to want to serve tea in a more traditional way. This is one reason why the concept of a traditional tea set is becoming more and more popular. If you are thinking about buying one of the beautiful fine English bone china tea sets that are available, here is what you need to know about how to choose one and then how to keep it looking beautiful long after you have brought it home.
If you are thinking about purchasing a set, it can be helpful to know what bone china actually is. It is related to both porcelain and fine china and all three materials tend to look very similar. Bone china has bone dust (usually from a cow) mixed in with the clay before it is shaped and fired. It is softer than porcelain.
When purchasing a set, you need to find out what the percentage of bone ash is in the china. Higher quality china will have a higher percentage of bone dust mixed in the clay. Look for sets that have between 30 and 45 per cent bone dust mixed in with the clay. It should be translucent- that is, when you hold it up to the light, you can see the light through the china.
Most damage comes from repeated stress on areas where handles are joined to the body of pieces. If it is dropped on a hard surface, a china piece can, and usually will, break into multiple pieces. While a handle can be reattached, it can be impossible in some cases to reconstruct the body of a piece. Some items will also develop a network of cracks in the surface.
If you are caring for your set properly, there are two times when you have to be more concerned about damage. You will want to be cautious when you are cleaning your set and also when you are putting it into storage for any amount of time. It is at each of these times that damage can occur. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a favorite piece of your set get a chip or fracture.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
Taking the time to clean your set and store it properly can mean that you end up with a set that is free of chips and breaks. If properly cared for, a good set can turn into an heirloom that can be passed down over many generations.
If you are thinking about purchasing a set, it can be helpful to know what bone china actually is. It is related to both porcelain and fine china and all three materials tend to look very similar. Bone china has bone dust (usually from a cow) mixed in with the clay before it is shaped and fired. It is softer than porcelain.
When purchasing a set, you need to find out what the percentage of bone ash is in the china. Higher quality china will have a higher percentage of bone dust mixed in the clay. Look for sets that have between 30 and 45 per cent bone dust mixed in with the clay. It should be translucent- that is, when you hold it up to the light, you can see the light through the china.
Most damage comes from repeated stress on areas where handles are joined to the body of pieces. If it is dropped on a hard surface, a china piece can, and usually will, break into multiple pieces. While a handle can be reattached, it can be impossible in some cases to reconstruct the body of a piece. Some items will also develop a network of cracks in the surface.
If you are caring for your set properly, there are two times when you have to be more concerned about damage. You will want to be cautious when you are cleaning your set and also when you are putting it into storage for any amount of time. It is at each of these times that damage can occur. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a favorite piece of your set get a chip or fracture.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
Taking the time to clean your set and store it properly can mean that you end up with a set that is free of chips and breaks. If properly cared for, a good set can turn into an heirloom that can be passed down over many generations.
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