Wedgwood bone china is globally renowned for its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship; it is one of the most iconic names in British ceramics, known for setting trends and creating stylish, sought-after ceramics for over 260 years.
Founded by Josiah Wedgwood I (1730–1795), the company has a long history of innovation in manufacturing, design, and marketing. With designs often featuring neoclassical themes, intricate patterns, and collaborations with renowned artists and designers, each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to aesthetic beauty and meticulous attention to detail. The diverse designs available also allow you to mix and match to create a unique and elegant dining experience.
Explore the range of Wedgwood online to see for yourself the beauty and craftsmanship that each piece embodies.
Why invest in Wedgwood bone china?
This exquisite, lightweight, and durable tableware is crafted from a blend of china clay, china stone, and bone ash. Not only is bone china a stunning and high-quality ceramic material, but it is also remarkably sturdy and resistant to chipping and cracking, making it perfect for everyday use. Moreover, Wedgwood bone china is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, combining elegance with practicality. Below we take a look at some more reasons why Wedgewood is so highly sought after.
It’s unique
Every Wedgwood piece is meticulously crafted using centuries-old techniques, ensuring the highest quality standards. The attention to detail in each item makes it not just functional, but also a piece of art.
It’s high quality
Although bone china appears delicate and translucent, it is incredibly strong. The high-quality materials, combined with bone ash, make the pieces robust, long-lasting, and chip-resistant. Additionally, bone china is free from harmful elements like lead and cadmium, which are often found in other ceramic wares, making it safe for food and drink.
It’s valuable
Wedgwood bone china dinnerware is highly valued for its exceptional strength and elegance. The inclusion of bone ash gives the pieces a unique, milky white translucency that enhances their visual appeal. Its association with high-quality craftsmanship and luxury elevates its status, making Wedgwood bone china a treasured addition to any dining table.
It makes a great gift
Gifting Wedgwood bone china is more than offering a beautiful object; it presents a piece of history and enduring quality that will be cherished by the recipient. Its historical prestige, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless elegance make it a stunning addition to any home.
Choosing Wedgwood bone china dinnerware
When selecting your Wedgwood bone china, consider the occasions it will be used for and the type of food that will be served upon it. The design and personality of the tableware set can significantly influence the mood of the occasion.
A typical set may include dinner plates, side plates, serving platters, mugs, teacups, multipurpose bowls, bread and butter plates, and saucers. Wedgwood offers dinnerware sets in various sizes and configurations, ranging from two to twenty-six pieces.
You can choose a basic set for everyday use or a more elaborate set for entertaining guests. Ensure the set fits the number of diners in your home. For instance, the Wedgwood Arris Set is suitable for one diner, while the Gio Set serves four.
Bone china vs. fine china dinnerware: What’s the difference?
As you browse Wedgwood dinnerware, you’ll notice some items marked as bone china and others as fine china. The distinction lies in their composition, characteristics, and production methods.
Bone china includes bone ash – typically from cattle – which makes up about 30 to 50% of its composition. This addition gives bone china its unique milky white translucency and superior strength, allowing for thinner, more delicate pieces without sacrificing durability. In contrast, fine china is made from a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, without the inclusion of bone ash. Consequently, fine china tends to be less translucent and slightly less durable than bone china, though it remains highly prized for its elegance and quality.
The process of manufacturing bone china is more complex and costly due to the additional steps needed to process bone ash and ensure its uniform incorporation into the clay. This complexity explains its higher price compared to fine china.
Owning bone china can enhance the dining experience, providing a sense of elegance and refinement that fine china, while beautiful, may not fully match.
How to care for Wedgwood bone china dinnerware
Although Wedgwood bone china dinnerware is robust and durable, proper care can prolong its lifespan. Here’s how best to take care of your Wedgewood dinnerware.
Wash promptly: Clean your dishes immediately after use to remove any acidic or sticky food residue.
Hand washing: Use a non-abrasive sponge and a gentle liquid detergent. It’s advisable to have a plastic tub in the sink to protect the china from rough stainless steel.
Dishwasher use: Avoid overloading the dishwasher. Keep metal objects away from your bone china, as even a light touch can cause chipping or scratching.
Stain removal: Remove coffee stains and fork marks by applying a paste made of baking soda and water to the dinnerware, then wash and dry it.
Proper storage: Store your bone china in a fabric-lined container or, when stacking, place napkins, tissue paper, or pieces of fabric between each piece to prevent scratches and chips.
Final thoughts
Wedgwood bone china dinnerware is more than just a luxury; it’s an investment in quality, elegance, and timeless beauty. Whether for everyday use or special occasions, owning a set of Wedgwood bone china elevates the dining experience, making each meal a memorable event. By choosing Wedgwood, you are not only bringing a piece of history into your home, but also ensuring that every dining experience is marked by sophistication and style.
