Wedgewood Pottery, founded in 1756 is a long standing, premiere quality dinnerware provider highly desired by for it’s sustained value. Yet while still quintessentially English, Wedgewood dinnerware continues to reinvent itself regularly to remain modern and relevant to all consumers.
Vera Wang, Jasper Cronan, and Robert Dawson are some of the modern designers who collaborate with Wedgewood to design products that retain a classical appeal, but still appeal to the younger consumer. In addition to dinnerware pieces, the Wedgewood team also coordinates their items with the corresponding items offered by sister companies Waterford Crystal and Royal Doulton.
Consumers desiring an elegant, classical look will be interested in the white China options. Some pieces are available in a solid white with no ornamentation beyond the shape of the plate, whereas other pieces incorporate platinum and gold trims or accents while maintaining an overall minimalistic feel. The one exception in these patters is the saucer, which may be highly ornamented with laurel branch design or have floral adornments near the lip of the plate.
Some other classical style Wedgewood dinnerware offerings are Florentine Turquoise, Renaissance laurel branch, fleur-de-lis, and Columbia patterns available in vibrant Wedgewood colors. The most traditional of these patters is the fluer-de-lis on Wedgewood French country blue that served as inspiration for founder Josiah Wedgewood in the 19th Century. Other colors available for traditionally styled patters include black, turquoise, gold, sage, ruby, forest green, and vibrant blue. Most services incorporate a platinum or gold acid etched border.
Modern offerings may appear more casual, but provide more versatile usage. Some examples of these patterns include polka dots on a pink background, colored geometrical shapes, colored bands, and casual fern designs. Predominantly available in Wedgewood blue, other options include green, gold, and pastel colors. There is also a set of seasonally themed dinnerware to complete the Christmas season, or casual shapes available in solid white.
While not considered “inexpensive”, Wedgewood is a much more affordable brand than other fine china providers. Depending on the pattern, designer, and metal used in the production, prices range from $65 to $150 per person for a 5 piece service. Wedgewood may be purchased from high end department stores, such as Macy’s, or at popular online merchants such as Amazon. Special care will need to be taken to ship these items and extra charges for shipping and handling may apply.
As with all fine china, Wedgewood dinnerware should be treated with extra care when washing to preserve the luster of the design and china. China should always be washed with the mildest detergent possible, and a dishwasher should be avoided whenever possible. Also, China is more delicate than earthenware dishes and should not be exposed to sudden extreme heat or cold. As such, the water should not be overheated to avoid cracking. When stacking dinnerware, place a thin cloth between items to avoid scratching of the design. If hard water causes mineral deposits, it can be removed with a vinegar solution. Finally, as most Wedgewood china incorporates gold or platinum in the design, these pieces should not be used in a microwave oven to avoid sparking from the metal. With a commitment to simple upkeep for your China, it can be enjoyed for years to come!