Where is Royal Crown Derby Made?

Royal Crown Derby, a renowned British manufacturer of fine bone china, is made in Derby, England. Founded in 1750, the company has a long history of crafting luxury porcelain items, including tableware, figurines, and collectibles. Royal Crown Derby is especially famous for its intricate patterns, detailed craftsmanship, and signature Imari designs.

Despite changes in ownership over the years, Royal Crown Derby remains committed to traditional methods and high standards of quality. Every piece is handmade and hand-painted by skilled artisans in its Derby factory, preserving the heritage and reputation of British fine china production.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd quality Royal Crown Derby?

1st Quality

• **Perfect Condition**: 1st quality pieces are considered flawless, meeting all of Royal Crown Derby’s strict standards for appearance, finish, and craftsmanship.
• **Fully Marked**: These items are stamped with the company’s full backstamp or hallmark, which includes the Royal Crown Derby mark.
• **Higher Price**: 1st quality pieces are typically sold at a premium price due to their flawless condition.

2nd Quality

• **Minor Imperfections**: 2nd quality pieces may have small, barely noticeable imperfections, such as slight glaze inconsistencies, tiny paint flaws, or minor surface marks. These issues do not affect the functionality but do not meet the brand’s standard for 1st quality.
• **Marked with a Scratch**: To distinguish 2nd quality pieces, Royal Crown Derby often marks them with a small scratch on the backstamp. This makes them identifiable as 2nd quality to collectors and buyers.
• **Lower Price**: 2nd quality items are typically sold at a discounted price because of these minor imperfections, making them more affordable but still beautiful and functional.

Both 1st and 2nd quality Royal Crown Derby items retain the brand's craftsmanship and elegance, but the classification allows buyers to choose based on budget and preference for perfection.