Wednesday, December 11th
2024 China Dinnerware Store Reviews
Wedgwood
- British brand dating back to 1759
- High-end china dinnerware
- 60-day replacement window (may be holiday season nly)
- Free shipping when you sign up for the email newsletter
Wedgwood, with its remarkable heritage dating back to 1759 in England, has a long-standing reputation for timeless eclecticism in fine china dinnerware. The company's founder, Josiah Wedgwood, introduced pioneering business practices like money-back guarantees and celebrity endorsements, while his grandson, Charles Darwin, adds to the brand's historical significance.
Distinctly British feel and flair
Wedgwood is the umbrella brand for Royal Albert, alongside the acquisition of Waterford, Rogaska, and Royal Doulton. For those seeking fine china with a distinctively British tea-time feel, this brand family holds the key.
Buy in sets or as individual pieces
When navigating the Wedgwood site, the best starting point for most first-time purchasers is the "Dinner Sets" section under the "Dinnerware" tab. While there are options for teaware, home decor, and individual items like mugs and cups, many shoppers prefer china in sets. You can filter your search by the number of pieces, collection, designer, color, pattern, banding, and more.
Online shopping experience has room for improvement
However, Wedgwood's website isn't the most user-friendly. While browsing china that aligns with your preferences, you won't find features like a favorites list, customer ratings, or a quick "Add to Cart" button. You'll need to click on the items that pique your interest and perhaps take notes on your own for further consideration.
Unique stories behind the patterns
Once you select your chosen china, you'll discover an abundance of detail about the pattern. For example, the Kit Kemp Mythical Creatures set, priced at $450 for a 5-piece place setting, offers intricate storytelling of a "menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures”.
Affordable options too
For those looking specifically at affordable place settings, the Renaissance Gold 3-Piece Place Setting stood as the lowest-priced at the time of this review, on sale for $50. The pattern is dishwasher-safe, but with gold accents it shouldn't surprise you that it's not suitable for use in the microwave.
Free delivery only if you sign up for emails
We were disappointed to see that Wedgwood no longer offers free shipping - not even with a certain minimum order price (which you'd probably reach pretty easily, given the higher-than-most pricing on the dinnerware here). The only avenue we spotted was by signing up for their newsletter, though most rival china stores will give you an actual discount for that, not just fee-free delivery.
No breakage replacement policy
Unfortunately, Wedgwood also doesn't provide any kind of breakage replacement. We guess they figure that if a customer can afford their china dinnerware in the first place, they should have no concerns with replacing any bowls, plates, or cups that get broken under normal use.
Outdated return policy
We also weren't reassured by Wedgwood's posted returns policy - because it referenced getting extended returns during the previous calendar year's holiday season (which was more than 6 months in the past). Did they extend it to be 60 days year-round? Who knows? When we tried to reach out through the site's online chat, all we got was a bot, and then a "contact us” form, with no telephone number and definitely no live agent. All we can say for sure is that for damaged or imperfect items, you must contact their Customer Care Advisors (and you can see how THAT went), while a return label is provided for other returns.
Nice china, not-so-nice customer service
Generally speaking, while customers are satisfied with Wedgwood china itself, praising its durable elegance, the brand's fanciful and eclectic styles (along with higher prices) may not be everyone's cup of tea (we couldn't resist the pun). Furthermore, the Wedgwood website and customer service (or lack thereof) could best be described as "rubbish”. If you're absolutely set on having Wedgwood china dinnerware, we strongly suggest that you consider buying it through a third-party retailer where you can count on getting attention if and when you need it.
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Where Can You Get the Best Selection of Fine China Dinnerware?
China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.
First, china dinnerware is renowned for its delicate and refined appearance. The intricate patterns, often featuring floral or geometric designs, exude a sense of timeless beauty that enhances any dining experience. The delicate translucency of fine china also adds to its charm. But, while china may seem delicate, it is actually quite durable when properly cared for. High-quality china can last for generations, making it an excellent investment.
China Dinnerware Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Also, many people reserve their china dinnerware for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Using it during these moments adds a sense of tradition and significance to the event. Of course, you can always live like every day is special, because china can be suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings. Its versatility allows you to create different table settings to suit various events and moods.
Finally, collecting china dinnerware has been a popular hobby for many. Some patterns and brands have become highly sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts scouring antique shops and auctions for rare pieces. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use and occasional accidents.
However, when you're out shopping for china dinnerware at your local stores, you might notice that your options are a bit limited. Those big-box retailers usually stock just a couple of brands and a handful of patterns. So, if you want to match your china with your home decor or you have a particular brand in mind, turning to online stores is your best bet. They tend to have a wider selection, often at better prices.
Online shops make it super easy and fun to find the perfect china for you. They've usually got handy filters and clear images of each plate, cup, bowl, and saucer. The only tricky part might be trying to pick just one pattern from all the gorgeous options they offer!
Ready to get shopping? Here are some ways to narrow down the options as you search for your perfect china dinnerware:
- Design and pattern. Choose a style that appeals to your personal taste and complements your existing tableware or decor. Consider whether you want a classic, traditional pattern or a more contemporary design.
- Brand reputation. Research the reputation of the brand you're considering. Established brands with a long history of producing quality china are often a safe bet. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who own china dinnerware.
- Use and maintenance. Check if the china dinnerware is safe to use in the microwave and oven if you intend to heat or reheat food in them. Also research how easy it is to clean and maintain. Some patterns or brands may be dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing.
- Completeness and availability. If you plan to use your china dinnerware regularly, ensure that the set you're purchasing includes all the essential pieces you need, such as dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, and serving pieces. Check if replacement pieces are readily available in case of breakage, and if you can get those replacements free of charge or at a reduced cost.
Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the right china dinnerware can elevate your table settings and create lasting memories. To help you find the best patterns and settings, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular brands and retailers. Your table will be picture-perfect in no time!
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