Hallmarks or Maker’s Marks Also called backstamps, these markings may be found on the bottom of a vase or figurine or on the bottoms of china plates, saucers or cups.

The “Made in England” stamp began appearing on some Wedgwood china pieces in 1898. In 1908 the stamp replaced the updated Wedgwood mark that had featured the word “England” for general use.

Check the back to see if there’s a manufacturer’s stamp, which will tell you who made your piece. Then, search the manufacturer online to find out the value of your piece. However, if there isn’t a stamp, there are other ways to identify your dinnerware. For example, China generally has either rimmed or coupe plates.

Fine China: The Most Expensive Porcelain In The World

1. 1 Qing Dynasty Porcelain: $84 Million.
2. 2 Blue and White Porcelain: $21.6 Million.
3. 3 Jihong Porcelain: $10 Million.
4. 4 Blood Red Porcelain: $9.5 Million.
5. 5 Joseon Porcelain: $1.2 Million.

How To Identify The 10 Most Popular China Patterns

• Blue Italian – Spode. Via.
• Woodland – Spode. Via.
• Flora Danica – Royal Copenhagen. Via.
• Ming Dragon Red – Meissen. Via.
• His Majesty – Johnson Brothers. Via.
• Botanic Garden – Portmeirion. Via.
• Blue Willow – Spode and Johnson Brothers, among others. Via.
• Holiday – Lenox. Via.

Look for a back stamp or marker stamp. This is the easiest way to identify the manufacturer of your dinnerware, although in many cases the stamps may have faded or become illegible. Once you know the manufacturer, you can look up the approximate value of the piece online.

Overall, the more complete the set, the better its condition, and the rarity of old china dishware — all add up to a higher value than new pieces.

Join an Online Selling Site We’ve all heard of Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy. Well, these are another great option when it comes to selling your china! These are great places to sell your items. Simply create an account and start taking high-quality photos of your pieces.

Do Pawn Shops Buy China: The Answer! The short answer is yes, they do! Although it is possible to sell your fine china dinnerware at a pawn shop, it is important to know that not all pawn shops buy china and dishes. And not to discourage you, but they might not buy your particular china.

13 Creative DIYs To Repurpose Your Old China

1. DIY pendant lamp using a vintage saucepan (via www.johannarundel.de)
2. DIY teacup pendant lamps (via flamingotoes.com)
3. DIY teaware table lamps (via www.designsponge.com)
4. DIY tiered vintage jewelry organizer of china (via www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com)

If you can see a lot of light coming through the piece, you most likely have china with bone ash in it. Examine the color. Noritake also notes that the color of bone china tends to be more ivory than white. If your piece is pure white, it is more likely to be hard or soft porcelain.

Your grandmother’s antique china or her old mixing bowls can contain lead. Leaching lead from antique china may be toxic. If any of your pieces of antique or vintage china or pottery is damaged in any way (chips, cracks, crazing, etc.), don’t use it in the preparation or service of food.

When you acquire antique dishes and want to sell them, you can opt for the quickest sale, which requires simply rinsing them off, taking them to the nearest antique store, and accepting whatever offer is made. Or, you could spend some time researching the dishes to discover their real value.