Wednesday, 1 July 2015

What Collectors Should Know About Fine English Bone China Tea Sets

By Ruthie Calderon


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.

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.

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.

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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