How to Buy Fine China

It may seem overwhelming at first when you decide to make a fine china purchase. There are hundreds of patterns to choose from, which requires you to decide on color, shape and style. Purchasing a set of fine china is a large investment and it is important that you choose wisely.

Instructions

1. Know the main types of china. You can choose from either fine porcelain or bone china. Porcelain has an ivory color and consists of a mixture of kaolin, flint and feldspar. Bone china has a pure white color and one of the main materials is ash from animal bones.

2. Check for a maker's mark. This mark guarantees the authenticity of the piece and typically is found on the bottom or side of the plate.

3. Buy all of the necessary pieces to set your table. Most place settings are packaged to include five pieces. You can expect to find a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, a teacup and a saucer.

4. Test the quality of the fine china before you make your purchase. To do this, simply hold the piece up to the light to check for translucency. Translucency is a mark of fine china because it indicates clay content. If you can see your shadow behind the plate, it is most likely a good piece.

5. Save money by buying traditional pieces. It is cheaper for a company to make a round shaped plate or a square shaped plate. Oddly shaped pieces take more skill to complete and can cost considerably more money.

6. Find the most durable pieces for your china collection. It is best to buy sets that are safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher. Fine china's durability is determined by the temperature at which the clay is fired. The higher the temperature, the more durable the piece.

Tips & Warnings

• You should buy all of your place settings in a single purchase. Many companies may discontinue pieces and it can be difficult to find replacements or purchase additional settings.

• To ensure the longevity of your fine china, it should be stored properly. Keep the china in a clean and dry place that will not attract dust. Do not stack too high or it may be more likely to chip.

• Many antique china pieces do not have a maker's mark on it. If you are unsure of its quality, check with an antique dealer to determine whether it is antique or an imitation piece.