Thursday, 2 July 2015

Guide To Buying And Owning 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 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 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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