View full sizeUltra-fancy gold-rimmed Royal Wedding china -- unlike most modern fine china -- should not go in the microwave or dishwasher. Caring for fine china is not as difficult as you may think -- so easy that you might start pulling it out more than once or twice a year. Most of today's china is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, as long as it isn't decorated with metallics such as gold or silver.
For antique china, however, you might want to avoid both appliances. Here are other tips for caring for fine china:
• Use a gentle wash cycle, with a mild liquid or powdered detergent if it's dishwasher-safe.
• Handle dinnerware only after it has cooled in dishwasher.
• Pieces decorated with metallics (gold, silver, platinum) are not microwave-safe.
• Always avoid quick, drastic temperature changes (like refrigerator to oven).
• When not in use, stack plates with a liner to avoid scratching surfaces.
• Normal everyday use will maximize your enjoyment and should never harm fine dinnerware.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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