China Buying Guide
Used today to describe fine dinnerware, vases, and collectibles, the term "China" was originally used by the English in the 17th century to refer to the only country that produced porcelain crafts at the time. Nowadays, having a china set in your home comes in handy for an unexpected dinner guest or even a romantic meal. Use this guide to pick out china that matches your taste and add some elegance to your lifestyle.
Types of China (Porcelain)
- Fine China
- Fine china tends to be thinner and more translucent when compared to other types of porcelain.
- Ornate painting and decoration are also common characteristics of fine china.
- Although it may appear fragile, most fine china is quite durable with proper care.
- Bone China
- Bone china is made by adding calcinated bone ash to the porclain clay mixture.
- This gives the china an extra translucent look.
- Bone china is considered by some to be stronger than other types of china
- Stoneware
- Fired at very high temperatures which turns the clay non-porous, almost like glass.
- Resists scratches very well.
- Stoneware pieces are sometimes hand-crafted and come in seemingly endless shapes and textures.
- Earthenware
- Fired at lower temperatures and is porous.
- It can also be easily scratched and damaged.
- Because each piece is unique due to imperfections in the clay, many purchase stoneware to achieve a rustic humble appearance in their home.
China by Brand
Tableware
Collectibles
Purchasing Considerations
- Function
- How do you want to use your china?
- Everyday - Still elegant, this china is not as costly as fine china, and is practical for everyday use.
- Special Occasion - This china is suitable for entertaining guests holiday meals.
- Form
- What is your dining style?
- Use your dining room or kitchen as a guidline to match the your decor with the china you plan to buy.
- For a modern or contemporary look choose:
- Solid colors
- Simple patterns
- Square or octagon-shaped plates
- For a more traditional look choose:
- Earth tone colors
- Traditional patterns like flowers or other country-like themes.
- Pricing
- In the $0 - $25 price range, you will mostly find individual pieces and accessories that accompany sets. From butter dishes to salad plates to serving bowls, you can find all types of china – from earthenware to fine china.
- Look in the $50 - $100 price range and a moderatel priced dinnerware set expands to 34 piece sets. You will also see smaller sets from manufacturers like Mikasa and Lenox. You will also find single 5-piece sets of bone china from designer labels like Calvin Klein.
- The $100 - $250 price range will reveal single 5-piece fine china dinnerware sets.
- The $500 to $1000 price range gives you some dinnerware sets with accessories—for example, a 45 piece set that includes a serving platter, serving bowl, creamer, and sugar bowl.
- Be sure to look at these sets as a potential cost savings to buying the pieces individually.
- Fine china in the $1000 - $2500 price range will give you a 20 piece place setting (4 people). You will also find specialty and collector fine china accessories in and over this price range.
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