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 primary factor which determines the quality of fine bone china is how high its cow bone ash content is. That which is comprised of between 30 and 45 percent is regarded as the best quality issue. Unlike ordinary china, which is only fired once, this variety also undergoes a secondary firing which treats it with a protective, fortifying glaze to help prevent cracking and increase its lifespan. However, flaws sometimes happen during this process.
Tea service ensembles can be made to serve anywhere from one to several people and the number of pieces they have is based on this fact. The teapot may hold between one cup and three liters, but the most common size is one or two liters. The number of saucers and teacups varies as does the other pieces belonging to a particular set such as creamer, sugar bowl, and serving plates to name a few.
Many colors and styles of tea sets are available to suit the taste of every collector. Some buyers choose one according to their preferences or to match other dishes they already own. There are solid designs which are simple and understated, those which are very detailed and elaborate, and some which fall in between these.
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 primary factor which determines the quality of fine bone china is how high its cow bone ash content is. That which is comprised of between 30 and 45 percent is regarded as the best quality issue. Unlike ordinary china, which is only fired once, this variety also undergoes a secondary firing which treats it with a protective, fortifying glaze to help prevent cracking and increase its lifespan. However, flaws sometimes happen during this process.
Tea service ensembles can be made to serve anywhere from one to several people and the number of pieces they have is based on this fact. The teapot may hold between one cup and three liters, but the most common size is one or two liters. The number of saucers and teacups varies as does the other pieces belonging to a particular set such as creamer, sugar bowl, and serving plates to name a few.
Many colors and styles of tea sets are available to suit the taste of every collector. Some buyers choose one according to their preferences or to match other dishes they already own. There are solid designs which are simple and understated, those which are very detailed and elaborate, and some which fall in between these.
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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