Luxury Tableware: Expensive Crockery Brands

There are many luxury crockery brands to choose from, but some of the most well-known and expensive include Hermès, Baccarat, Christofle, Raynaud, and Ercuis. These brands are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, beautiful designs, and attention to detail. For example, Baccarat has been developing new techniques for creating the finest crystal glass for almost two centuries, while Christofle has furnished royal houses and luxury hotels with its silver cutlery and accessories for over 150 years.

When it comes to materials, luxury crockery is typically made from porcelain or bone china. Porcelain is highly valued for its translucency, delicacy, and non-porous properties, while bone china is known for its strength, translucency, and creamy white hue.

In addition to the well-known French luxury brands mentioned above, other notable luxury crockery brands include:

- Wedgwood

- Royal Albert

- Nymphenburg

- J.L. Coquet

- Hering Berlin

- Richard Brendon

- Marie Daage

- Ginori 1735

- Bernardaud

- Augarten

- Puiforcat

- Herend

- Rosenthal

- Royal Copenhagen

- Royal Crown Derby

- Royal Doulton

- Villeroy & Boch

- Vista Alegre

- Waterford

- Lenox

- L'Objet

- Tiffany & Co.

- Vera Wang by Wedgwood

- Versace

- Royal Limoges

- Thomas Goode

Porcelain and bone china crockery

Royal Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen, founded in 1775 in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an exemplary choice for collectors and those seeking a minimalist Scandinavian style. Their blue-fluted and white-fluted patterns are timeless, and the brand showcases delicate hand-painted details and masterful underglaze painting techniques.

Wedgwood

Wedgwood, established in 1759 in England by Josiah Wedgwood, is another esteemed brand. They combine classic and contemporary styles and are known for their innovative mass production, making fine china accessible while maintaining stellar quality. Their notable patterns include Jasperware, Queensware, and Black Basalt.

Meissen

Meissen, founded in 1710 in Germany, holds a significant place in fine china history as the first European porcelain manufacturer. Their artisans decorate blanks shipped from Asia, creating intricate European motifs. Meissen's notable patterns include Purple Rose, Blue Onion, and Crossed Swords in Red.

Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby, founded in 1750, is the world's oldest bone china manufacturer. Their Art Deco bone china collection, introduced in the 1980s, features designs inspired by traditional Chinese motifs. Their bone china patterns are elegant and versatile, suitable for tea, coffee, and dessert presentations.

Lenox

Lenox, an American brand with roots tracing back to the early 20th century, is another esteemed manufacturer. Their bone china combines quality and tradition, making it a cherished heirloom in many households. Lenox was also the exclusive supplier of Presidential tableware to the White House.

REZEK

The REZEK Bone China Coffee Saucer and Cup set is a reasonably priced option that offers both quality and safety. The lead-free porcelain has passed FDA and LFGB inspections, ensuring the highest standards. The set features a flawlessly smooth, scratch-resistant surface and is suitable for various occasions, from New Year's to Valentine's Day.

Clay Craft Karina Dinnerware Set Bone China

This 40-piece dinnerware set is an affordable alternative, featuring a trendy style, a glossy finish, and chip resistance. However, compared to similar products on the market, it is on the costly side and breakable due to its material.

Golden Queen's Bone China Mugs

Golden Queen's offers a set of six luxurious mugs with 24-karat gold trim and handles. These mugs are made in India and feature hand-applied decals. With a capacity of 220ml, they are perfect for coffee and tea. While they are safe and lead and cadmium-free, they are not microwave-safe and require careful cleaning to avoid stains and damage.

Ocean Crockery Bone China Cup Saucer Set

The Ocean Crockery set may appear expensive, but its elegant design and high quality make it a wise investment. The cups have a large 130ml capacity, perfect for tea and coffee servings. The set is also dishwasher-safe and durable, although there is room for improvement in overall quality.

EZ Life Urbane Select Class Series Bone China Shallow Plate

EZ Life offers a sophisticated platinum-coloured plate with gold lining, perfect for various occasions, from salads to desserts. This bone china set is microwave-safe and easy to clean, but it is breakable and priced higher than similar products.

In conclusion, when choosing porcelain and bone china crockery, consider factors such as quality, craftsmanship, brand reputation, and your personal preferences. These brands offer a range of options to elevate your dining experience and are sought-after for their unique characteristics and attention to detail.

Earthenware and stoneware crockery

Earthenware and stoneware are the more ordinary types of crockery, but they have distinct differences. Stoneware is harder, stronger, and more temperature-resistant than earthenware. It is often used for kitchen items like casserole and oven dishes, and it is usually much heavier than earthenware. When stoneware is chipped, it appears dark and gritty inside. Earthenware, on the other hand, is a less precious alternative to porcelain. It can be decorative and when chipped, it appears white and chalky. Many cultures are known for their decorative earthenware, such as tagines and terracotta pots.

Stoneware is a type of non-porous ceramic dinnerware made from stoneware clay fired at a high temperature, typically between 2150 and 2330 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives stoneware a thicker build than porcelain and china, making it a durable option for restaurants. Stoneware gets its name from its stone-like appearance after firing, and it often has colour patterns and variations that resemble natural stone before being glazed. It provides a rustic, earthy appearance, making it a good choice for casual restaurants or those aiming for a farm-to-table feel. Stoneware is also oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe, although certain glazes or paints may affect these properties.

Earthenware is glazed or unglazed non-vitreous pottery typically fired below 1200 degrees Celsius. Basic earthenware, often called terracotta, absorbs liquids, but it can be made impervious to liquids by coating it with a ceramic glaze, which is done for the majority of modern domestic earthenware. Earthenware has lower mechanical strength than bone china, porcelain, or stoneware, so articles are commonly made with a thicker cross-section, although they are still more prone to chipping. After firing, most earthenware bodies will be coloured white, buff, or red, depending on the firing temperature and atmosphere.

Examples of luxury brands that feature stoneware and earthenware crockery include Wedgwood, Royal Albert, MacKenzie Childs, AndreaHillPottery, KariCeramics, KJPottery, CCStoneware, and BirdmansHome.

Stainless steel flatware

When selecting a flatware set, consider the weight, balance, length, and shape of each utensil. These factors are subjective, so it is advisable to handle different sets in stores to determine what you prefer. The weight of flatware can vary significantly, with some sets being much lighter and others feeling more substantial. Balance is also crucial, as off-center balance can make utensils feel wobbly and awkward to hold. The length and shape of the utensils are also important, especially the fork tines and spoon bowls. Ensure they are comfortable to hold and appropriately sized for your eating habits.

In addition to the design and weight of the utensils, the finish is another important consideration. Most stainless steel flatware comes in either a mirror finish, which is highly polished, or a satin finish, which is muted and brushed. Satin finishes are often preferred as they are less prone to fingerprints and have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is also essential to check the placement of the manufacturer's branding on the utensils, as some sets have noticeable logos or markings that can be distracting.

When it comes to care and maintenance, stainless steel flatware is generally dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain. However, it is recommended to dry the flatware thoroughly after washing to prevent rust and corrosion. Overall, when choosing a flatware set, look for well-balanced pieces with a pleasant heft and a timeless design that will suit your personal style and last for years to come.

Plated cutlery

When it comes to luxury and exclusivity in the world of plated cutlery, certain brands stand out for their meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of premium materials. Here is an exploration of some of the most renowned names in this realm:

Christofle

Christofle, a French brand established in 1830, is synonymous with elegance and refinement. With a commitment to excellence, their creations transcend functionality, becoming symbols of prestige. Christofle offers a range of cutlery sets in sterling silver, silver-plated, and stainless steel. Their pieces are often reserved for formal dinners, weddings, and other noteworthy events, contributing to an ambiance of sophistication.

Puiforcat

Puiforcat, a French luxury brand founded in 1820, is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their flatware collections feature powerful designs in classic, Art Deco, and contemporary styles. Puiforcat's creations are available in sterling silver, silver-plated metal, or stainless steel, ensuring their pieces are not just dining utensils but expressions of opulence.

Versace

The renowned fashion house Versace extends its bold and opulent designs to its cutlery collections. Characterized by high-quality materials such as stainless steel, Versace's cutlery is often embellished with intricate details like decorative patterns, gold plating, and ornate handles. Their Medusa design, featuring the brand's signature Medusa head motif, has become an iconic symbol of their luxury and opulence.

Hermès

Hermès, known for its fashion and accessory collections, brings the same attention to detail and craftsmanship to its cutlery designs. Their modern cutlery sets feature sleek and minimalist designs, often inspired by the equestrian world, with handles shaped like stirrup leathers, offering a distinctive and unique look to any dining experience.

Arthur Price of England

Arthur Price of England, founded in 1902, offers a range of classic and contemporary cutlery designs. From traditional parish patterns to exclusive modern styles, their collections cater to diverse tastes. The brand prides itself on delivering the best quality and customer service, ensuring their position as one of the most expensive silverware brands in the world.

Carrs Silver

Founded in 1976 by Ron Carr, Carrs Silver has built a reputation for innovative and prestigious designs. Their timeless pieces are trusted to satisfy customers' needs for any occasion, creating time-honored classics that seamlessly fit any period and setting. Carrs Silver has become a go-to brand for those seeking luxurious and elegant flatware.

These brands, among others, elevate the dining experience to new heights, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail set the standard for exclusivity and artisanal skill in the realm of plated cutlery.

Sterling silver flatware

When determining the value of your sterling silver flatware, the first step is to clean it gently with a soft cloth and a mild abrasive cream to remove any dirt and tarnish. Avoid using silver polish or dips as these can damage the surface. Once clean, you can inspect the flatware for any hallmarks or stamps from the manufacturer. Use an online guide to check the hallmark and identify the maker and pattern of the flatware. The maker's mark will have a serious impact on the value of your item. For example, silverware by famous makers such as Hester Bateman, Paul Storr, and Mappin and Webb is highly sought after.

The collectability of the item is another factor that affects its value. For example, vesta cases are highly collectable, and many vintage items are worth more if they feature prominent or popular brands. The number of people your item can serve will also affect its value. A canteen designed for 18 people will be more valuable than one designed for four.

The overall condition of the flatware is another important consideration. Well-cared-for items that have maintained their shape will have a higher value than those that are damaged or cannot be restored. Common issues with silver include a loss of polish and corrosion pitting, which causes small holes in the metal over time.

If you want to sell your sterling silver flatware, your best option is to take it to an auction house for a professional appraisal. Many auction houses hold events where people can bring their items to be valued and identified. If your nearest auction house doesn't offer this service, you can email them with high-quality photographs of your item, including clear images of any hallmarks. You can also try selling your silver on eBay or something similar to avoid auction house fees.

Frequently asked questions