Fine bone china is a beautiful and functional way to decorate your table. If you own fine English bone china tea sets or are thinking about purchasing one of these sets, it is a good idea to know how to care for them properly. Here is what you need to know to keep any set looking as beautiful as possible for as long as possible.
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.
All china is made up of clay. Often, more than one type of clay is used to make up a piece. In the case of bone china, an additional ingredient is added. Bones are ground very finely and the resulting dust is added into the clay mix. It adds strength but it also causes the pieces to be brittle and easy to break. If you want to make sure you are buying authentic bone china you need to look for between 30 and 45 percent bone dust.
Although it is durable, it can be damaged. Handles can break off easily and edges can be chipped. Some sets will develop a network of cracks in the finish. While this may or may not affect how functional the piece is, it can affect the value.
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.
When cleaning a set, it can be tempting to use the dishwasher but this may not be the best idea. Remember that the water is very hot and the detergent used in a dishwasher is very strong. If your items have metal accents, the heat from the water can soften the metal and cause it to wear off much more quickly than it would otherwise do.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
Taking the time to clean your set and store it properly can mean that you end up with a set that is free of chips and breaks. If properly cared for, a good set can turn into an heirloom that can be passed down over many generations.
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.
All china is made up of clay. Often, more than one type of clay is used to make up a piece. In the case of bone china, an additional ingredient is added. Bones are ground very finely and the resulting dust is added into the clay mix. It adds strength but it also causes the pieces to be brittle and easy to break. If you want to make sure you are buying authentic bone china you need to look for between 30 and 45 percent bone dust.
Although it is durable, it can be damaged. Handles can break off easily and edges can be chipped. Some sets will develop a network of cracks in the finish. While this may or may not affect how functional the piece is, it can affect the value.
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.
When cleaning a set, it can be tempting to use the dishwasher but this may not be the best idea. Remember that the water is very hot and the detergent used in a dishwasher is very strong. If your items have metal accents, the heat from the water can soften the metal and cause it to wear off much more quickly than it would otherwise do.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
Taking the time to clean your set and store it properly can mean that you end up with a set that is free of chips and breaks. If properly cared for, a good set can turn into an heirloom that can be passed down over many generations.
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