What You Need To Know Before Snagging This Fancy Costco China Set

Maybe you weren't lucky enough to inherit your grandma's elegant bone china that's seen decades of use. No matter, because Costco offers a stunning dinnerware set that rivals what you might look for when thrifting china dishes, and it's shockingly well priced. The Mikasa Trellis Gold 12-piece Bone China Dinnerware Set features dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls in a cross-hatch design with a delicate gold border. It's rare to find bone china at a budget-friendly price tag of $79.99 for a 12-piece set. For comparison, a 16-piece set of the fine bone china Wedgwood Nantucket Basket, which has a similar pattern as Costco's but not the gold edging, sells for $432.

Costco reviewers who bought the set generally praise its beauty. However, buyers noted a few problems. For one, take note: These dishes cannot go in the microwave, and are recommended to be hand washed. After one reviewer accidentally put their dishes in the microwave, they discovered the gold edge had melted. If you're looking for something for elevating your daily dining, this may not be the set. However, the dishes may be a budget-friendly option to break out for special occasions and fancy holiday meals.

What is the difference in types of china, and why would you want it over regular dishes? Bone china is made with clay, china stone, and typically about 50% bone ash, a white powder made from calcined, or heated, animal bones. It's the bone content that gives this type of china its warm, creamy color, and is one of the ways to tell if your vintage china is actually valuable. Bone china is considered luxurious while also being very durable, which is why you'll often see sets that have lasted for decades or longer. It doesn't chip easily, and is safe in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher as long as there isn't a gold or metal trim. But for some people, there may be ethical concerns since animal parts are used in their manufacturing.

Fine china is composed of porcelain. You can visibly see the difference between bone and fine china. Hold bone china up to the light, and it will let light through, looking almost translucent. Fine china, on the other hand, looks starkly white, and lets no light through. Fine china also feels heavier than bone china, and while it's quite durable, it's not as chip-resistant as bone china. However, it's the less expensive option of the two types. If you're not sure what to buy, think about needs. If you want to creatively display your fine china in your kitchen or dining room, that's probably different from what you'd use daily.