Collection: Royal Albert Old Country Roses China

Dishwasher Safety

1. Manufacturer's Guidelines: According to Royal Albert, Old Country Roses china is dishwasher safe, but with specific conditions:
2. Older vs. Newer Pieces: Only the china that is marked as being dishwasher safe should be put in a dishwasher. Old pieces should be hand washed.
3. Gold Trim: The gold edging on the china is delicate. Frequent exposure to the harsh environment inside a dishwasher can cause it to wear off. Hand washing is often recommended to preserve the gold detailing for as long as possible.
4. Frequency: Even though newer Old Country Roses china is rated as dishwasher safe, occasional use in the dishwasher is preferable. Regular dishwasher use can accelerate wear and tear.

Microwave Safety

Gold Trim: The primary concern with placing Royal Albert Old Country Roses china in the microwave is the gold trim. Microwave radiation interacts with metals, causing arcing (sparking) and potentially damaging both the china and the microwave. The metallic gold edges on Old Country Roses pieces are not microwave safe and this can lead to sparks that could damage the microwave, potential cracking or discolouration of the china, risk of fire in extreme cases.

Heat Sensitivity: Even if the piece does not have gold trim, the bone china itself may not be designed to withstand the rapid temperature changes typical in a microwave. This can cause: cracks or breaks in the china due to thermal shock and damage to the intricate designs and patterns.

Indicators of "Seconds" in Royal Albert China

Look at the backstamp markings

Altered or Additional Marks: Look at the backstamp on the bottom of the piece. Seconds often have a mark through the original backstamp, which could be a scratch, a line, or a dot. This is the most common way to denote a second. In some cases, there might be additional words like "2nd" or "Second."

Missing Information: Sometimes, the backstamp may lack certain details that are present on first-quality pieces, such as a full manufacturer’s name or additional design identifiers.

Make a detailed visual Inspection

Gold Trim: Examine the gold trim closely. Seconds might have inconsistencies, such as thinner or uneven gold lines, smudges, or breaks in the trim.

Pattern and Glaze: Look for irregularities in the floral patterns or the glaze. Seconds might have:

Shape and Symmetry: Check for slight warping or asymmetry. For instance, a teacup might not sit perfectly flat, or a plate may not be perfectly round.

Check the weight and balance of the piece of china

Feel: Seconds may feel slightly different in weight or balance compared to first-quality pieces, although this is a more subtle indicator and harder to discern without a direct comparison.

Labels and tags

Stickers: Some seconds are sold with stickers indicating their status. These might say "second quality" or "imperfect."

Do a sound test

Tone: Gently tapping a piece of high-quality china usually produces a clear, bell-like sound. Seconds, particularly those with structural issues, may produce a duller tone.