Fine Bone China vs New Bone China

You want to make sure you know exactly what kind of products you’re getting when you buy any kind of china. However, it can be difficult to tell the two apart from just a glance. For that reason, we’re going to go into detail as to what are the actual differences between fine bone china and new bone china, what their pros and cons are, and which might best suit what you want.

About Fine Bone China

Fine bone china is the traditional form of china, being made of kaolin, feldspar and quartz. This makes it much like porcelain. However, it is made thinner and lighter than porcelain thanks to the extra ingredient it is mixed with, which is most usually animal bone ash. 

Fine bone china is very light, semi-transparent and it might seem fragile to look out. However, not only is it stronger than you might think at a glance, but it’s also highly resistant to a wide range of wear.

About New Bone China

There aren’t as many differences between fine bone china and new bone china as you might think. Some think that new bone china is weaker than fine bone china, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case at all. It can be, but you can make new bone china just as strong and resilient.

The key difference between the two is that new bone china does not use any bone ash. Rather, the bone replacement that makes up the properties of china are instead provided by jade. There are some visual differences when using jade, typically that china made using jade has a more white lustre to it, compared to the translucent colour of fine bone china.

Which is better?

If you want to know which you should choose for a china product for your home or as a gift, then your answer is going to depend on a few factors. People who are against animal products, vegans, or want to make sure that their products are halal or kosher may not want to use china that has been made with  animal bone ash and might opt for new bone china instead.

New bone china does suffer some from having the reputation of not being “fine bone china.” However, they both have roughly the same physical qualities and both typically made much in the same way. The main differences aside from what materials they are made of, typically comes down to what kind of aesthetic you want. However, even in terms of the aesthetic, there are more similarities than differences. Both can be painted much in the same way, for instance, allowing you to apply all manner of different designs. They just typically have something of a different lustre. 

Which is better in the question of fine bone china vs new bone china depends on precisely what you are looking for. Hopefully, the information helps you dedicated which best suits your needs and wants.

Reviews

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Jeff Hague profile picture
Jeff Hague
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Good range of fine bone china really pleased with the quality highly recommend
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Victoria Jane profile picture
Victoria Jane
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This china is honestly indestructible. It is the best china I have ever had and I cannot recommend it enough. I am buying more for a third time for our Airbnb.
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Filenia Lalli profile picture
Filenia Lalli
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Sampling, printing and production. We got our order timely. Very happy to recommend this company.
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Kyriacos Meraklis profile picture
Kyriacos Meraklis
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We put our designs on a number of products across the range: mugs, accessories, dinnerware and teapots. Great service and great looking products! We also had special packaging.
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Ellis Smith profile picture
Ellis Smith
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Nearly 6 years ago we downsized and disposed of all our old china. We purchased Buttercup china - 12 of everything, and that is all we have used everyday since that time; for dinner parties, family get-togethers and just the 2 of us. In all those months, there has not been a chip or a crack in anything. Today, I carelessly dropped a bowl on the kitchen tiles and not surprisingly it smashed. That is the only damage we have had. As I am so amazed and pleased with the quality of Buttercup china I have immediately ordered a replacement. In fact I ordered 3 new bowls, as we use bowls a lot!
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Janice Chapman profile picture
Janice Chapman
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So glad I found Buttercup China. I bought various products to decorate and sell, great quality and price. They were very helpful when I wasn't sure about sizes, and as I lived a few miles away, delivered personally, amazing!
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Jill Harrison profile picture
Jill Harrison
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Lovely two handle tankard which gave my Mum her dignity back and beautifully packaged and delivered quickly. Very happy to recommend and commend this company.

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