Porcelain dinnerware has been revered for ages as the peak of luxury and impressiveness. Articles made from porcelain are often used for special events and expensive restaurants and are usually at a high price point, which begs the question. Why does porcelain cost so much in comparison to other types of dinnerware?
In this blog, we will dive into the reasons why porcelain is so expensive, from the complexities of the ceramics and the production process to the culture behind it. This piece of content will answer all questions whether you want to purchase a porcelain set for your home or are simply intrigued by the reason behind the cost.
So, without further ado, let's get started!
The Time-consuming Craftsmanship
Intricate Handmade Process
The degree of artistry put into making porcelain dinnerware sets ceramics and the amount of time needed to manufacture it places it on the expensive side of dinnerware. Most types of dinnerware are produced in factories where the process is automated to save time and money. However, dinnerware made from porcelain significantly differs.
Artisanal skilled workers are needed to aid in the process of creation, which tends to become more labor intensive. Even modern factories still hand mold, glaze, and paint in an effort to keep their quality control high. To devise porcelain, craftsmen put together a precise mixture of natural constituents such as quartz, feldspar, and kaolin.
Hand-painting and Detailing
A plethora of dinner set porcelain ware is priced at a premium because a large number of these are hand-painted. A great deal of time, knowing the right tools to use, and expertise is often needed to hand-paint the particular details on each individual. Creating such exquisite elements as elaborate florals or gold accents requires hours of work. The same goes for custom designs like family crests or monograms, which also epitomizes why a markup is present.
High-quality Raw Materials
The Importance of Kaolin Clay
The methods of producing the best porcelain dishes ultimately dictate how expensive the final product is. This type of clay that defines porcelain is none other than kaolin. Kaolin is sought after for its remarkable whiteness as well as its purity. This type of clay is more expensive and far rarer than the clay used in other forms of ceramics.
The purity of kaolin is essential in obtaining the widely sought translucent, smooth and durable characteristics unique to porcelain. Kaolin, other natural minerals, and quartz are all mixed in order for the porcelain to have form and strength. These materials are selected carefully because they help progress the final product in terms of chipping, scratching and staining.
Firing Process
Extremely High Temperatures
The strength and durability of porcelain are obtained by a process referred to as ‘firing.’ This contains the baking of clay in a kiln with extremely high temperatures of about 1200 to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. With such high temperatures, the materials merge and form a dense, nonporous material.
The energy essential for such high-temperature firings is imperative, and this energy cost is passed along in the price of porcelain. Furthermore, the firing method takes hours and even days to completely finish off in cases where there are several rounds, such as initial firing, glazing and final firing.
Risk of Breakage
Given the extreme temperatures, porcelain becomes vulnerable to breakage throughout the firing. Pieces need to be handled with so much care to steer clear from cracking or warping, and manufacturers have to keep an eye on the kiln conditions. All this makes it reasonable to say that there is a risk of loss throughout the production stage, which clearly adds to the price of porcelain because manufacturers need to account for probable waste.
Exceptional Durability and Longevity
Built to Last
What sets porcelain apart is its unrivalled durability, making it withstand everything. Unlike other materials used in dinnerware, like stoneware and earthenware, porcelain is highly resistant to chipping, cracking and staining, which makes it best suited for formal occasions and on a daily basis. Having a non-porous surface ensures that liquids and food particles have no access to material, which makes porcelain more hygienic and easy to clean.
Long-term Investment
Porcelain is highly durable, and thus, it becomes an heirloom piece that often gets passed down from one generation to the next. Its long-lasting quality makes it the preferred choice for those who do not want to spend a lot on replacing cheaper alternatives to dinnerware. After enough years of usage, inexpensive dinnerware options may end up losing their charm and will require to be replaced, which adds additional costs in the long run. That is why porcelain is considered a valuable investment option despite its higher initial pricing.
Translucency and Shine
Sophisticated Designs
There is an elegant design to all porcelain dinner sets that includes intricate patterns or floral motifs and gold or platinum trimming. These designs are carefully curated as they lend an intricate artistic element to the sets. This was not limited to only nature as art and culture also made porcelain something more than an object.
Both the delicate floral designs from China and the chic, elegant designs of European porcelain speak volumes of the effort that goes into every piece. However, these fine pieces do raise the costs due to the artistry behind each item.
Historical and Cultural Significance
A Symbol of Prestige
Over 2000 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, porcelain was invented in China. For centuries, this fine piece was often viewed as a coveted luxury. The mystery behind its creation made it very appealing, allowing it to be sought after by all aristocrats. It was not until the 17th century that Europeans learned how to duplicate it.
When mastered, porcelain started becoming associated with wealth, allowing the Chinese to protect their secrets. The historical value of porcelain elevates the cultural worth of the item and increases its price value. Luxury does not only include the possession of a fine porcelain set but rather also owning a piece of historic significance.
Perpetual Heritage of Fine Craftsmanship
Today, there is Royal Worcester, Wedgwood and Limoges. These brands remain Porcelain champions and have maintained their rich t heritage for centuries. Their products carry profound meaning in society, which further perpetuates the value and cost of their best porcelain dishes. Buying these items means that a client is investing in a fine quality item and also in the culture of finely crafted objects.
Restricted production and Limited Edition
To ensure quality, the mass production of porcelain is not practiced. Porcelain is produced in small quantities to maintain the standard of excellence of certain top-end producers. Limited edition porcelain collections are known to be the most sought-after in the collection community, which significantly increases the monetary value of these products.
The sophistication of some porcelain sets, especially those that are limited-edition or crafted by famous names, earns great appreciation among collectors and buyers alike. The great cost often associated with these sets is further compounded by the fact that rarely do they exist in bulky amounts, thus urging collectors to claim these for themselves.
Alteration and Individualization
Tailored Designs
An aspect that truly differentiates porcelain dinnerware from others is that it can be tailored according to one’s wishes. A number of porcelain companies now focus on more tiered developments, resting on the claim of bespoke designs, tailored monograms, family crest patterns, or many more unique ideas. This artistic level of detail indeed does spike the cost because most valuable items require skilled hands with the time to pour in labor.
The Perception of Value and Prestige
A Status Item
In some societies, porcelain crockery sets project power and influence. Superior porcelain represents affluence, sophistication, and high social class. Porcelain dinner plates and bowls enhance the ambiance of formal dinner parties, holiday family get-togethers, and other significant functions like no other type of dinnerware can.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Mindful Options
As people become increasingly conscious about the environment, more and more production houses are putting the focus on low impact, eco-friendly modes of production. However, the more environmentally friendly methods of porcelain production may vent up, causing prices to increase. For instance, firing processes done using renewable energy sources and getting raw materials from green suppliers can elevate production prices that might show up on the sticker.
Conclusion
The high costs associated with porcelain dinnerware sets can be attributed to a multitude of factors ranging from the expensive raw materials, elaborate industrial processes, and even the cultural and social significance attached to it. Because of its manufacturability, beauty, and status, there is less craftsmanship bond, which signifies why porcelain is such an expensive luxury item.
We sell all kinds of dinnerware built with different materials. Whether you need them for daily use at home, special events at home or your luxury restaurant; we are keeping a lot in the store for you. So, if you are interested, check out our products, and we can customize them for you in case you need them for business-related products or events.