Linda Vining's Profile

Several years ago, I saved up for a full set of this exquisite design, including the remarkable gravy boat. It's beauty has not disappointed. HOWEVER: Both the finish and the pieces themselves are sadly fragile -- especially unfortunate for a Royal Stafford. (To the person who wondered about the difference the Royal Stafford and C&B, I believe they are the same. The C&B bears the RS mark as well.) I have seen several other reviews on the C&B website that attest to this unusual fragility. The large plates will sometimes shatter if the edge is clinked just so against another piece, and cannot survive a short drop from hand to countertop or table while setting or clearing the table. Smaller pieces chip easily, and the finish crazes unexplainably, producing unsightly stained lines, usually from the rim toward the center. To my knowledge, neither C&B nor RS have responded to questions as to whether there was simply a bad batch or whether there is something amiss with the materials. I am not a new housekeeper, and have always been careful with this lovely dinnerware. My first dinner plate shattered in my hand as its edge tapped the kitchen faucet, less than two months after purchase. I now have only one dinner plate remaining despite the most delicate handling. The gravyboat crazed after first use, as did one of the salad bowls. Cups seem fine. The smaller plates are almost as fragile as the large ones. I have three left, and one is chipped.

I love this design so much, I am nevertheless considering replacing my missing pieces. They are visually unique, and I have never found anything other than hand-thrown that has so much character. If you can afford to replace pieces without resentment or heartbreak, I recommend them. I would not give them as a wedding gift because of their fragility. I love them. I am saving up again...
Linda