When considering stone ware dinner ware sets understand, first of all, that this attractive and durable form of dishware is a cousin to more delicate, costly and finely-detailed porcelain dishes, cups, saucers and other dishware. Stone ware comes from a kiln after being fired or baked between temperatures of 1200 and 1400 degrees Fahrenheit and can look as handmade or homemade as is wanted by a consumer.

Indeed, stone ware is so durable it can be used as everyday dishware whereas most people save their \”good\” porcelain for special occasions, usually. It can be tossed into the dishwasher, thrown into an oven, placed in a microwave or left in a refrigerator with impunity because it has an excellent ability to withstand changes of temperature that\’s truly impressive.

The history of such dining utensils as stone ware shows a direct link back to the original earthenware pottery that was created by some of the earliest civilizations that sprang forth in the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia. It differs from that pottery in that it\’s more durable, is created at higher firing temps and is watertight. The ancient Chinese first pioneered its use, where it eventually spread into Europe.

By the late 17 century, the famous English pottery makers Staffordshire and Wedgwood had made this form of dinnerware, among their many offerings, extremely popular among the masses. Soon enough, during the post-Revolutionary War period, American pottery companies in New York and New Jersey began offering their own dinner sets along with jugs and even tobacco pipes and butter churns.

Over time and with experimentation, the non-porosity of the basic material underlying stoneware proved to be a great platform for the addition of attractive glazes, including a dark brown and glossy glaze that came to be known as Albany Slip. By the end of the 1800s other forms of glaze had came into being and the 20th century saw stone ware featuring the very popular (even to this day) Bristol glaze.

These days, antique and vintage stoneware dinner sets have become popular collectibles. Prices will of course vary and depends upon the sizes of the dinner set pieces and the old pottery making company that produced the sets. The kinds of glazing and decorations also play a role in determining how collectible they\’ll be as well. A good place to look for such items is in the catalogs of many New England antique stores, by the way.

The history of stone ware dinner ware sets go back to the first dinner implements ever to emerge from a small firing oven or kiln. Today, many stores and online dinner ware catalogs offer this versatile and durable dinner ware though many are actually earthenware and not the real thing. Stone ware is distinguished by its weight and size, so check the backs of the plates and also how heavy they seem if looking for the actual dinner ware.

Want to find out more about stoneware dinner sets, then visit Mary Bell\’s site on how to choose the best dishes set for your needs.