How to Find Replacement China Pieces
China plates are a fragile and sometimes sentimental part of many households. Odds are that over the years they may break, chip or crack. This will leave you with gaps in your place settings and you will have to find replacement dishes. People who have purchased antique china patterns and inherited sets with missing plates also seek replacement dishes. Looking for replacements was more difficult in the past; today, patterns can be researched and purchased online. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Identify the company that makes your china. Write down the manufacturer and the name of the pattern. If you do not know the name of the pattern and you have the name of the manufacturer, you can contact the manufacturer to help you identify the pattern.
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Write down any details of your china. Manufacturers can change small details on long-running or popular patterns. You will need to have all details written down so you can match the replacements as closely as possible.
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Measure the pieces you need to replace. Manufacturers often make multiple sizes of the same plate. Dinner plates can be 9 inches to 12 inches. Having the size written down can ensure you are getting the replacement that is the same size.
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List all of the pieces you are missing or replacing and the quantities of the pieces. Once you have collected all of the information about your china, it is much easier to search for pieces.
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Visit the manufacturer's website if they are still in business. Check to see if they sell replacements. If they do not sell replacements, see if they have a partnership with a company that sells replacements of their china patterns.
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Check local antique stores for vintage or antique china patterns. Ask the owners if they have any sources for buying replacements.
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Contact a retailer that sells replacement pieces such as Replacements, LTD or Dishes from the Past. Replacement retailers keep popular patterns in stock. Some retailers specialize in discontinued patterns. If they do not have your pattern, see about being added to their database so they can contact you when they get in the pieces you seek.
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Look for replacement pieces at auctions. Live and online auctions both often have housewares, including china place settings and stray pieces. Contact local auction houses to get on their mailing list. When they have an upcoming auction that includes china, go preview it to see if they have your pattern. Set up a search on eBay for the replacements. Enable the feature that will email you when pieces that meet your search criteria are listed.
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Tips & Warnings
If you cannot identify your pattern, you can email digital images to replacement retailers. Many offer a service to help china owners identify unmarked or obscure pieces.
References
Resources
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