Bone china has been around for a very long time and can be discovered in rummage and jumble sales, garage sales, or your grandmother’s old hutch or buffet.

It’s highly collectible and its lovely to look at and pleasing to use for coffee or tea.

There are several unique processes involved in the making of bone china, however the one thing that truly sets it apart, and imparts to it the translucency and the bright white luster is that it is made the ash of bone included in the porcelain.

This is, of course, where the name “bone” china comes from but how can you tell if it really is bone china; particularly those pieces which are older and may not be treated with a logo on the reverse of the pieces?

Most bone china is registered and its trademark and pattern can be found under each piece. Even for pieces that are as much as a hundred years old this was still sometimes the case.

However, over time those logos or trademarks become very difficult to read clearly. Sometimes you have no real way of knowing whether the piece is bone china or not, unless you do a few simple tests that will help you to determine it.

Hold your piece up to the light. Put a hand or finger behind it. If it is bone china you will be able to see clearly the outline of your fingers through the china piece, or at least a clear shadow through it.

Take a cup and flick it gently along the rim. It will take a bit of practice to identify the sound but it is an unmistakable ring that is clearer than that of porcelain or pottery.

Many bone china patterns have gold or metallic trims and bands, and these should never be placed in a microwave.

Bone china has lasted through generations and these beautiful heirloom pieces were made to be handed down to the next generation of your family.

However, don’t ever be afraid to use it every day. It is built to be used and enjoyed, not just looked at!

Coffee, tea or coco taste better when served in porcelain as opposed to metal or plastic. Why not test it yourself and see?