Sunday, July 5, 2015

Guide To Buying And Owning Fine English Bone China Tea Sets

By Ruthie Calderon


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 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.

Some tea sets contain more pieces than others, as they meant to serve a larger number of people. The teapot is the largest piece, and it will generally have a volume between one cup and three liters. The quantity of cups and saucers, as well as other pieces like serving plates, the sugar dish and creamer, can vary as well.

There are a wide range of styles and colors of tea sets for sale on the collector's market to match every preference. Some may have a favorite make they wish to stick with, or they may be looking to buy a set that fits in nicely with other dishes they already own. Designs may feature subdued, solid colors, intricate patterns, or something 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 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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