How to Buy Wedgwood

Wedgwood is a well-respected ceramics firm in England that had its origins with Josiah Wedgwood in 1759. In 1987, Wedgwood merged with Waterford Crystal, becoming Waterford Wedgwood, but the Wedgwood mark remains the same. A serious collector will take color, finish, style and markings into consideration when making decisions to acquire pieces, and there are ways to ensure that you get what you bargain for.

Things You'll Need

• Small magnifying glass or loupe

Instructions

1. Decide what type of Wedgwood interests you. Wedgwood produces a wide variety of products, and the output every year is usually quite large. Pieces may be classed as collectible (holiday ornaments, souvenirs, commemorative plates), tableware (formal and casual), Queen's Ware (designed for British royals), or Jasperware (jewelry and other items with their distinctive light-blue base and bas-relief figures and scenes in white).

2. Look for markings. You do have a slight advantage in that Wedgwood pottery always carries a legible maker's mark on each piece. Examine the mark closely to ensure that you are buying authentic Wedgwood and not a reproduction or knock-off. Examples of authentic marks are "Wedgwood Made in England," "Wedgwood England," and "Wedgwood of Etruria & Barlaston." It is also worthwhile to compare the marks on pieces you are considering with genuine Wedgwood articles you already own.

3. Inspect each piece carefully. Evaluate the condition of every piece to determine whether or not it has the characteristics you want to include in your collection. Crazing (a breakdown of the glazing) and chipping on edges and rims significantly lower the values, as does fading or color bleed.

4. Ask for provenance (certifications, appraisal documents, original bills of sale or shipping lists) from the seller. Most legitimate sellers will be able to provide you with supporting documentation at the time of purchase that the pieces they sell are genuine Wedgwood.

Tips & Warnings

• If the piece is marked "Wedgewood," it's not authentic. The name is correctly spelled as "Wedgwood."

References

• "Quick Facts about Wedgwood China"
• "Wedgwood Pottery"
• "Wedgwood"; Peter Kaellgren; 2009