Bone china is well known for its timeless elegance and quality. Lightweight but strong, these dainty, beautifully appointed pieces are a favorite of royals, and others of importance, as well as those with discriminating taste. This guide helps collectors of fine English bone china tea sets know what to look for when they are in search of just the right set for their collection.
Numerous manufacturers produce their own bone china tea service sets to sell to collectors. Every brand has its own distinctive style of shape and pattern. Collectors usually have a preference for one particular design or another. Older sets may be classified as either vintage or antique, which makes them even more valuable.
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.
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.
If someone owns an antique set, having it appraised is advisable since this is the only way to get an accurate picture of its value. The number of pieces and their size is a primary factor affecting the price of the set. Sometimes they actually sell for more money on a per item basis than they do as full set, unless that is what the buyer is specifically after.
The shape the set is in also does a lot to determine its value. Small flaws like chips, cracks, and discolored marks can all detract from the potential price of the tea set. Checking its "backstamp" is a useful way to reveal not only the make and possibly the pattern, but it can provide the information necessary to accurately date the set's age.
Given the gentle care and handling it deserves, bone china tea sets can be enjoyed as family heirlooms for years to come. If it is only used on occasion, in a cautious manner it will stand a better chance of being around for longer. No abrasive cleaning product or technique should be used, just dish soap and water, and no aggressive scrubbing actions.
Numerous manufacturers produce their own bone china tea service sets to sell to collectors. Every brand has its own distinctive style of shape and pattern. Collectors usually have a preference for one particular design or another. Older sets may be classified as either vintage or antique, which makes them even more valuable.
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.
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.
If someone owns an antique set, having it appraised is advisable since this is the only way to get an accurate picture of its value. The number of pieces and their size is a primary factor affecting the price of the set. Sometimes they actually sell for more money on a per item basis than they do as full set, unless that is what the buyer is specifically after.
The shape the set is in also does a lot to determine its value. Small flaws like chips, cracks, and discolored marks can all detract from the potential price of the tea set. Checking its "backstamp" is a useful way to reveal not only the make and possibly the pattern, but it can provide the information necessary to accurately date the set's age.
Given the gentle care and handling it deserves, bone china tea sets can be enjoyed as family heirlooms for years to come. If it is only used on occasion, in a cautious manner it will stand a better chance of being around for longer. No abrasive cleaning product or technique should be used, just dish soap and water, and no aggressive scrubbing actions.
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