Crown Trent Wild Violet Gold Rimmed Teacup and Saucer Set Fine Bone China

Superb cup and saucer set. Having seen the picture on my computer and my phone, and having had a pretty good idea of what I was expecting, I still was awed when I open the package - there was something incredibly beautiful about that shine of new china, the sparkling white, and the violets that seemed almost real, so vibrant the colors!I have used the set once a day for about five months now, for my morning coffee. A few days ago I noticed the cup was stained (a few dark spots inside, about 1/4 in in size, as well as a slightly darker overall shade as compared with the saucer); I washed it very carefully, dried it - and it is still stained. I bought this set as a Christmas present from my mother, and really thought it would last for many, many years. I'm starting to regret my choice - if it stains at this rate, soon enough it will give me no pleasure to drink from it.The cup might be OK for drinking less colored liquids, such as green or herbal tea, or as "good china" to be used once or twice a year, but I don't think it was meant for daily coffee. Unless I got a defective one - can there be defective china? reasons for random areas of pronounced porosity? I don't know - just that it didn't really work out for me.A couple of extra details: filled to the brim, the cup holds 280 mL liquid (9.5 fl oz); the set came so carefully wrapped, I could have played soccer with the package and still had the items in one piece inside. I never used it in the microwave, and washed it with warm water, regular dish detergent and a soft sponge right after finishing my coffee.I wish you better luck!

Beautiful English hand painted porcelain, perfect for a cup of tea in old-fashion 8 oz size. Tea just taste better!