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vendredi 26 juin 2015

Helpful Information For Collectors Of 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.

Each manufacturer of tea sets has their signature style and hallmark patterns that set it apart from the others. Some buyers may have a definite preference for one particular brand. Those which are of a certain age will be deemed either vintage or antique, and this will generally mean that they are worth substantially more.

The quality of bone china is determined by the percentage of cow bone ash it is composed of. The best quality is that which contains 30 to 45 percent. It differs from ordinary china in that it is fired two times; the first is a standard firing, and the second is with a protective glaze to make it stronger so it is more resistant to breaking and will last for many years. Sometimes flaws occur during this process, and buyers should be mindful of this.

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.

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.

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 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.

Taking good care of the tea set is essential if one wishes to be able to pass it along as a treasured family heirloom. Handling it as little as possible, and storing it in a secured china cabinet when not in use is recommended. Delicate handling and cleansing with mild detergent and water only as needed is the best way to keep the pieces in reasonable condition and around for many years to come.




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