Minggu, 28 Juni 2015

Guide To Buying And Owning Fine English Bone China Tea Sets

By Ruthie Calderon


Bone china is highly regarded as one of the finest types of collectible dishware. Admired by those with discerning taste for both its beauty and surprising durability, these lightweight pieces have come to be associated with royalty and other people of high social standing. Buyers who are interested in purchasing fine English bone china tea sets should follow these guidelines in order to find exactly what they are looking for.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sets in excellent condition can be expected to naturally fetch a higher price than those with damage or defects such as discolorations, chips, and cracks. Checking the "backstamp" on every piece will state the name of the manufacturer and possibly the pattern, information which is useful for dating the tea set.

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.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar