There are a lot of china manufacturers out there, and I often get asked which are the best to look out for when teacup shopping? Here’s my  little guide to teacup hunting!

I hope this guide might be helpful for any one starting their own teacup collection.....
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Limoges: French factory made some lovely pastel pieces, quite chic!

 Paragon: These guys used to make beautiful crisp white china cups, simple on the outside, but with splendid designs on the inside! I’m still waiting to pick up my perfect Paragon cup!

 Royal Albert: Home of Old Country Roses, and the modern chintzy teacup maker of choice! Popular with collectors and some neat unusual designs. Can still find new pieces which are of old taste.

 Royal Crown Derby: One of my favorites, they do a lot of lovely Imari wear, and some very decorative high end designs. Can be pricey but lovely, if you’re into Lolita check out Royal Antoinette!

 Royal Sealy: A vintage factory out of Japan, they used to produce some of the most over the top teacups with all the curves of rococo designs, pedestal cups, tri footed cups, pierced saucers et al, not to mention Luster-wear! They can be found pretty cheap. (also search for occupied Japan china and Old Nippon)

 Sevres: Sevres was a village dedicated to making fine porcelain in the 1700’s They are responsible for the lavish Rococo ceramics of that time, often faked but so lovely! (and always expensive L ) (also look for Old Paris for similar items)

 Spode: Most famous for their blue wear, but have some stunning shapes and hand painted designs, not cheap but gorgeous.

Tiffany: Famous china companies have made amazing sets for Tiffany's for years, sometimes some amazing ones show up.

Tuscan: This factory was later bought up by wedgwood, they do some very pretty all over designs that are so delicate they never look overly chintzy.

 Wedgwood: Right now they have a series called Harlequin available, it’s a mixture of their old patterns from hundreds of years ago mixed in with modern taste (Just like Lolita fashion!) Look out for 2 cups called “Ribbons and Roses” and “Queen of Hearts” They also have a set of fine china mugs with 18thC patterns available that are equally beautiful!

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Beware Demintasse!: Demitasse are beautiful cups, and come up to tempt us often! However they are quite tiny and designed for drinking coffee. They look adorable like little children's cups. They make a great collection, but won't be much help as part of a tea set.
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 If searching on ebay I recommend using the name of the maker you are interested in, and simply “Cup” it’ll bring up so many more things than "teacup". Also you can shop by art style or color, that was how I found my lovely black and white Cauldon cup! Happy Teacup hunting!