For someone who loves tea or who wants to set a beautiful table, a china tea set can be just what they need to make their table look complete. If you are someone like this, fine English bone china tea sets are easy to find and are surprisingly easy to care for as well. Here is what you need to know if you are in the market for one of these sets.
There are many different materials on the market that are used to make these items. For many people, it can be confusing when trying to compare fine china, porcelain and bone china. One of the largest differences is the fact that bone china has dust from cow bones mixed into the clay before the piece is created. It also has a softer texture than porcelain although it is still hard and fairly durable.
If the set you are looking for does not have at least 30% bone dust, it cannot be considered to be fine English bone china. Some sets actually have up to 45% bone dust contained in the clay. Unlike other types of clay pieces, these look warm and are actually thin and translucent enough that you can see light through them. Many have delicate handles or accents that can be fragile if not properly handled.
While it has a hard surface, the fact is that bone china can be broken. It does not bend well and this makes it brittle. You may also find that older sets develop cracks in the finish. Some can be seen by looking at a piece while others need to be held up to the light in order to see damage. If you love a piece and simply want it to use rather than to collect, these cracks should not cause you any concern.
Most damage will occur when pieces are being washed or when they are being put into storage. Often, rims will develop chips that may or may not make them unable to be used. Some chips are less noticeable and you may still get a lot of use out of an item even if there are small damaged areas.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
Storage may seem intimidating at first but it is actually fairly straightforward. Avoid stacking items with handles. If you must, make sure the handles are not contacting one another. Do not hang cups from hooks as this can cause them to break off. Space items properly so that they do not bang into one another as this can cause chips.
If you learn how to care for your set properly it can be amazing how durable and functional these items can be. You do not need to be limited to simply bringing it out when you want to serve guests a formal tea. You can also enjoy it for years to come and even hand it down to your children once they are old enough to appreciate it.
There are many different materials on the market that are used to make these items. For many people, it can be confusing when trying to compare fine china, porcelain and bone china. One of the largest differences is the fact that bone china has dust from cow bones mixed into the clay before the piece is created. It also has a softer texture than porcelain although it is still hard and fairly durable.
If the set you are looking for does not have at least 30% bone dust, it cannot be considered to be fine English bone china. Some sets actually have up to 45% bone dust contained in the clay. Unlike other types of clay pieces, these look warm and are actually thin and translucent enough that you can see light through them. Many have delicate handles or accents that can be fragile if not properly handled.
While it has a hard surface, the fact is that bone china can be broken. It does not bend well and this makes it brittle. You may also find that older sets develop cracks in the finish. Some can be seen by looking at a piece while others need to be held up to the light in order to see damage. If you love a piece and simply want it to use rather than to collect, these cracks should not cause you any concern.
Most damage will occur when pieces are being washed or when they are being put into storage. Often, rims will develop chips that may or may not make them unable to be used. Some chips are less noticeable and you may still get a lot of use out of an item even if there are small damaged areas.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
Storage may seem intimidating at first but it is actually fairly straightforward. Avoid stacking items with handles. If you must, make sure the handles are not contacting one another. Do not hang cups from hooks as this can cause them to break off. Space items properly so that they do not bang into one another as this can cause chips.
If you learn how to care for your set properly it can be amazing how durable and functional these items can be. You do not need to be limited to simply bringing it out when you want to serve guests a formal tea. You can also enjoy it for years to come and even hand it down to your children once they are old enough to appreciate it.
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