As a family heirloom, fine bone china is often a centre piece at family gatherings, special occasions and dinner parties. As bone china is more delicate than other pieces of fine bone china, ensuring that it is properly cared for is a gentle procedure. As the materials and paint used in making fine bone china are not as durable as modern china, it is essential to follow proper care instructions that will keep it in good condition. Most pieces are hand painted which makes each piece unique and valuable with their value increasing through age. With some fine bone china mostly found in antique shops, they are a rare find and often not duplicated, compared to modern china. for more information please click here.
Cleaning It is highly advised that you do not use a dishwasher to clean your china. Instead, using a mild detergent and lukewarm water, clean your china with a soft cloth as not to damage the paintwork and prevent cracking. For discolouration, it is advised to use a mixture of peroxide and water, or vinegar and salt. Using a soft cotton ball, gently scrub the discolouration. It is also important to remember that the gold paint, often used to decorate fine bone chine, is delicate and to avoid scrubbing using wire brushes. Using harsh detergents may erode the paintwork and cause the glaze of the china to crack. Fine Bone China should be cleaned at least once a year to maintain excellent condition.
Storing As fine bone china is sensitive to extreme temperatures; it is essential to store your china in a location where it is not exposed to extreme hot or cold. Storing your china in an attic or garage will subject your china to these temperatures. The best way to ensure they are kept in mild conditions is store them in a sturdy trunk, or display them in a glass cabinet. When storing your china, it is best not to stack cups, mugs or bowls on top of each other as they may place pressure on the rims and cause them to break. Place mugs on hooks and cups next to bowls in rows. Plates can be stacked on top of each other, place a cloth or coffee filter in-between each one to prevent cracking. Avoid stacking directly on top of one another.
Repairing While ensuring you are taking all the necessary precautions when maintaining your china, accidents can still happen. In the event of damage, it is best to take your china to a specialist who specialises in china repair. Museums can offer advice and refer you to a specialist if need be. They can also give expert advice on how to maintain china, if in doubt.
In conclusion, maintaining proper care of your china will increase its value and ensure that it is long lasting for future occasions. Fine Bone China focuses on hand and intricate details to make them valuable and unique pieces, so to keep that fine and professional looking detail, proper care must be taken.
Harry Price is a talented young writer who lives by the seaside and gets his inspiration from his surroundings.