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.
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 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.
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 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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You can find a detailed summary of the benefits you get when you purchase fine English bone china tea sets online at http://englishchinastore.com right now.
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