November Tea Set Spotlight
Whether you’ve inherited a well-loved family tea set or want to replace your Wedgwood Florentine turquoise pieces with some of their new, brighter coloured takes on the classic set, there’s significant value to be found. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, Wedgwood’s iconic Florentine pattern remains high in demand in auction houses and secondhand markets worldwide.
Wedgwood Turquoise Florentine tea and dinner set, Portland vase marks, comprising 68 items, sold for £1,200
Wedgwood Florentine Pattern Origins
The Florentine pattern has a remarkable history, first appearing in Wedgwood’s archives in 1874, with the design making its debut on Wedgwood pieces in 1931. The seminal Florentine Turquoise shade- now the most recognisable colourway- followed in 1935. This timing positioned Florentine as a celebration of neoclassical elegance during an era when traditional skill was highly valued.
The pattern is characterised by an ornate border intricately detailed with mystical creatures, including griffins and fantastical flora. The collection features delicately hand-rendered motifs set against the clarity of white fine bone china with distinct black enamel banding. The iconic turquoise colourway has become synonymous with refined English table settings, though Florentine has been produced in multiple colours, including Gold, Black, Pink, Sage Green, and Marine.
Wedgwood Golden Florentine coffee & dinner ware, 56 pieces, sold for £380
Every piece of Florentine fine bone china is handcrafted by Wedgwood’s artisans in Stoke-on-Trent, England, the home of Wedgwood. The pattern has been in continuous production since its introduction, with 2024 marking 150 years of the iconic pattern, celebrated with five bold new colourways.
Pattern Numbers – Identifying Your Colourway:
The pattern number appears on the backstamp, typically marked in red. For example, W2714 is the pattern number for Florentine Turquoise. Each Florentine colourway has its own distinct pattern number:
An example of the pattern number W2714 on the back of a turquoise dinner plate
- W2714: Florentine Turquoise (1935-present) – The most iconic and sought-after colourway
- W4219: Florentine Gold (1960s-1990s) – Gold scrollwork and dragons with gold trim
- W4312: Florentine Black (1959-1997) – Also known as “Black Dragons” with gold trim
- Other variations: Pink, Sage Green, and newer colourways from the 2024 collection
An example of an usual Wedgwood Green Florentine W4636 pattern tea and dinner ware, sold for £220
These can sometimes be handwritten, depending on the year the piece was manufactured.
For detailed information about Wedgwood backstamps and dating codes, check out our comprehensive guide here.
Who’s Buying Wedgwood Florentine Today?
Understanding your potential buyers helps you price and market your pieces effectively:
Heritage Collectors: Typically aged 45+, these buyers seek complete English-made sets or rare colourways to complement existing collections. They appreciate the neoclassical design elements and pay premium prices for early pieces from the 1930s -1980s.
Design Enthusiasts: Younger demographics (30-50) attracted to the pattern’s distinctive turquoise colour and ornate detailing. They often mix Florentine with contemporary pieces for eclectic table settings.
This Florentine turquoise set of two trays and 58 pieces sold to a buyer in Spain for £680
International Buyers: Strong demand exists in:
- United States: Substantial collector base appreciating English heritage and Wedgwood’s prestigious reputation
- Australia: Active market with official Wedgwood retail presence and appreciation for fine bone china
- Europe: Particularly strong in UK, France, and Spain where Wedgwood has historical significance
Replacement Market: People seeking to replace broken pieces or complete inherited partial sets. This creates steady demand for individual items, particularly cups, saucers, and serving pieces.
Hospitality and Events: Professional buyers seeking elegant vintage pieces for upscale tea rooms, hotels, and event styling. Florentine’s sophistication makes it ideal for special occasions.
Recent Auction Results
- A large collection of Wedgwood Florentine patterned dinner and tea ware (approx 48 pieces) sold for £450 at a March 2025 auction
- A large set of Wedgwood turquoise Florentine pattern dinner and tea ware comprising 57 pieces sold for £4660 in July 2024 (indicating some appreciation in value from 2024 to 2025)
- Individual pieces typically range from £15-45 for standard items like side plates and cups, such as this gold Florentine teapot
- Serving pieces, teapots, and covered dishes command £50-150+, depending on condition, such as this gold Florentine teapot
Looking to sell your Wedgwood Florentine?
Our expert valuers provide comprehensive valuation services for Wedgwood Florentine sets and individual pieces.
Our team are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom or Thursday at the Cobridge saleroom, where they can value your items and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free in-person appointment, use our form here.
Alternatively, if you would like an online valuation, fill in this form.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100 for further details.
References
- Wedgwood official website and archives
- Potteries Auctions Wedgwood markings guide
- The Potteries historical society dating resources
- Recent auction results from Potteries Auctions