Skip Pyrex: The Antique Dishware Brand To Add To Your China Collection

One of the beauties of thrifting is that there's something for everyone, from the bargain hunter,= to the treasure seeker, wardrobe individualist, and repurposing crafter. Some shoppers wander through the aisles without an agenda, while others seek something specific of rarity and of value. For example, the Old Town Blue Pyrex collection, which was popular in the '70s, or Illy Art Collection mugs that have been around since the '90s. 

Over recent years, registering for wedding china has been less common than in the past, but that doesn't mean that porcelain dishware isn't still a prized find among thrifters. After all, vintage is in — and many among the current generation actually use china dishware regularly, rather than storing it in cabinets for special occasions. People are showcasing them as forms of personal expression, mixing styles, and embracing bold colors and patterns. Crafters are also using them creatively and turning thrifted plates into beautiful bespoke decor.

If you're among fine china hunters, you're likely familiar with names like Wedgwood, Lenox, and Noritake. One lesser-known brand is Bernardaud, a maker of porcelain dishware since 1863, which was based in Limoges, France. This city of origin isn't glossed over by connoisseurs of ceramics, as it's been classified as a UNESCO Creative City and still lauded for its high standards in craftsmanship. It's also considered the birthplace of porcelain. In 1768, a local woman discovered white clay — later identified as kaolin (a main ingredient for porcelain) — making the region ideal for the ceramics industry.

For five generations, Bernardaud has been family-owned and committed to tradition, with its replicas of dinnerware beloved by royalty. They also embraced change and modern tastes, seen in their emoji-themed collaboration with Beefbar Restaurants. On Chairish, an online store selling primarily vintage items, five floral plates from the 1990s are being sold for $445, and a five-piece dining set is for $595.

The best indicator of an authentic Bernardaud is a company stamp clearly marked on the bottom of the piece. This will also specify that the dishware was made in France or Limoges, France. Some pieces may even say "Limoges, ROC" (as in Republic of China), indicating that it's not from France — and, therefore, not an authentic Bernardaud. Over the years, the Bernardaud branding has changed from the initials "B & Co" to "BERNARDAUD" and the title of the collection, which means that you may see variations across pieces. 

Because Bernardaud values reinvention and innovation, the company doesn't have a signature look that thrifters should seek. The company's products reflect a wide range of aesthetics, including solid bright white, delicate floral borders, hand-painted birds and greenery, to name a few. While the company doesn't appraise pieces, they can likely certify that your piece came from one of their two factories, either in Oradour-sur-Glane or downtown Limoges (their original location). While you're examining thrift store plates for the Bernardaud stamp, don't ignore these brand names, either.