Have you ever wondered if that dusty dinner set kept in your grandmother’s cabinet for years might be worth money? While most of us eat off everyday plates, some might literally be dining on a treasured china dinner plate without realizing it!
But how would you know which china set is valuable? That’s where I help! In this guide, I will show the 10 most valuable vintage china dinnerware sets and expert tips to find them.
How to Spot a China Set Worth a Fortune?
Finding out if your vintage china set holds significant value needs a careful examination of several factors, such as:
Manufacturer Marks
Always look for markings on old china pieces. Examples that show clear makers’ marks at the bottom are considered authentic, and are given more preference over unmarked pieces. These markings can be anything from logos, iconic signs (like Meissen’s crossed swords mark), factory codes, etc.
Rarity of the Pattern
The rarer the pattern, the more valuable a china set! Generally, limited edition antique china patterns or those produced in small quantities are sought-after. Besides, test pieces, commissioned lines (like the Herend Rothschild Bird line) hold higher values.
Painting Techniques
Generally, hand-painted china sets, like those from brands like Meissen or Sèvres, are often more valuable than mass-produced transferware.
Completeness of Sets
Naturally, full antique china dinner sets with 50+ items sell for premium values compared to small sets of a few plates or single items. However, unique and large single pieces like tureens, etc., with a rare pattern can also earn high sums.
Condition
China sets in good condition without worn-out paint, chips, or cracks are valued higher than those with prominent wear and tear. So, always assess the condition of china sets before selling or buying.
Collector’s Tip: Use ultraviolet light to examine pieces. Repairs often fluoresce differently from the original material. Also, the original gilding shows mild wear; if the gilding is too bright, it could’ve been redone.
10 Rare Antique China Dinnerware Sets to Look For
Now that you know what makes vintage china dinnerware valuable, let’s discover the 10 highly collectible sets fetching the most money!
1. Noritake Christmas Ball China Set
Brand: Noritake
Noritake’s early 20th century pattern, the Christmas Ball, features ornate gold-encrusted designs with intricate detailing on a white or ivory background. Unlike its name, the design is not specifically related to the Christmas theme, but it does give festive vibes due to its gold work.
Today, complete Christmas Ball sets in good condition can fetch high values of up to $1,500 or more.
2. Spode Irene China Set
Brand: Spode, Copeland
Designed in 1953, Spode’s Irene pattern showcases a delicate pink, yellow, and blue undulating floral border on white porcelain dinnerware. The walls of the dinnerware items are mostly ribbed.
This pattern was discontinued in the early 1970s and has become a collectors’ favorite ever since. Large, complete Spode Irene china sets can sell for up to $1,500 or more, while small dinner plate sets typically fetch $100-$300.
3. Herend Rothschild Bird Set
Brand: Herend, Hungary
Herend’s Rothschild Bird pattern features different scenes of birds in natural settings surrounded by flowery branches and butterflies. What makes this china dinnerware special is the 24-karat gold accents.
Baron Rothschild is said to have commissioned this pattern in the 1860s after finding a lost bird pendant in the Herend factory garden. Each piece is hand-painted by artisans with years of training. The pattern features 24-karat gold accents.
The most valuable pieces come from the 19th century, particularly large dinnerware sets and large pieces like soup tureens, reaching up to $2,500 or more. Modern Herend can still command premium prices.
4. Minton’s ‘Haddon Hall Green’ Dinner Set
Brand: Minton, England
Introduced in 1949, this pattern is based on the historic garden at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, featuring over 50 different flowers and plants rendered in delicate detail. It was designed by Rosemary Hague, who spent months studying and sketching the actual gardens.
Although the pattern continues to date, early pieces from the first decade of production are most valuable. Full dinner sets from the 1950s-60s with 30+ pieces can sell for up to $1,000 or more, while small sets sell for $100 to $500.
5. Christian Dior Casablanca
Brand: Christian Dior
Produced from 1991 to 1999, the Casablanca line of Christian Dior is known for its Art Deco design featuring leopards and palm trees on the border with a clear center and golden trim/outline.
This pattern is available in many items, such as dinner plates, bowls, serving platters, and more. The value for complete sets can reach up to $1,200 or more, while small sets of dinner plates or platters are worth $200-$500+.
6. Royal Worcester Evesham Gold Set
Brand: Royal Worcester
This 1960s pattern shows a vast variety of fruits with realistic features and warm, vibrant colors on the white porcelain background, accented with a golden trim. It strongly resembles the discontinued Evesham Vale pattern, which featured fruits, but with a green trim.
As one of Royal Worcester’s best-selling brands in the late 20th century, full Evesham Gold dinnerware sets can easily sell for over $1,000 today. Original boxes and pamphlets add to the value.
7. Haviland Limoges Louveciennes Dinnerware
Brand: Limoges, Haviland
The Louveciennes line stands out with its intricate floral patterns. You will see medallions in blue and gold with a rose at the center on the border, connected by rows of roses, cornflowers, and laurel wreaths.
The centre of the plates features circular golden foliage and laurel garlands enclosing a bouquet. The fine craftsmanship and vibrant colors of this pattern attract many collectors today. Vintage pieces from the 1950s-1960s, especially those with the “Haviland France” backstamp, are highly valuable.
8. Wedgwood Malabar China Dinner Set
Brand: Wedgwood
Wedgwood’s Malabar china sets feature a vibrant, light red floral border including butterflies and gold trim on an ivory bone china background. This line was produced only for two years, from 1984 to 1986, making it rare today.
Large Malabar sets with 60+ pieces typically fetch $1,200 or more, while small plate sets and single items like tureens and serving platters can also bring a few hundred dollars.
9. Spode Blue Italian Dinner Plate Set
Brand: Spode, England
One of the oldest continuously produced patterns, Spode’s Blue Italian line has been in production since 1816. It features scenic blue and white designs inspired by Italian landscapes, surrounded by the 18th-century Imari Oriental border.
While full Blue Italian dinner sets are always more valuable, collectors also seek specific items like serving platters or tureens, which can also command higher prices.
Collector’s Tip: Pre-1833 pieces with the “Spode” mark in blue can sell for 10x the price of modern reproductions.
10. Portmeirion Botanic Garden Dinner Plates
Brand: Portmeirion
This mesmerizing pattern was created in 1972 by Susan Williams-Ellis, who was inspired by floral illustrations in books. Each item of the Botanic Garden dinner set bears a unique flower variety with a few butterflies and insects and a green leaf border.
You’ll also find the flower names written on the plates, making them even more unique and valuable. Today, small Botanic Garden dinner sets generally range between $200 to $500, while large sets with 30+ pieces can reach up to $1,000.
