We are trying to find a certain style of fine china for our wedding
registry, at a reasonable or great price, and we need help! The china
pattern we love is extremely expensive (like $375 for a 5 piece place
setting), i.e. the Raynaud/Ceralene  "Marie Antoinette" Pattern. 
Another we like even better is the "Louis XV" pattern by the same
manufacturer, but that pattern is discontinued.  We'd suggest that the
talented researcher trying to help us find these exact patterns on
Google so he/she will know what we want.
   The style is basically a "scalloped" (?) plate instead of a
perfectly round plate, with gold trim around the outer edge, or close
to it, off-white (or possibly white).
   Ideally, someone can make our day and lead us to a bunch of
websites with specific and easy-to-follow instructions on viewing
comparable looking styles of china.  We'd love to find beautiful place
settings for anywhere from $75 to $300, but preferably on the lower
end.
   ALSO - we'd love to find this wonderful alternative china with a
vendor that can be put on our bridal registry ASAP.  What brilliant
researcher can help us with this?
   Many thanks!

Greetings, jred!

What an exciting time for you! I hope that you allow yourself to savor
and enjoy it as much as possible, and not permit all the little
stressors to detract from your experience.


Based on the examples you cite, (which I found at the fabulous
Replacements.com, the BEST place to find missing pieces for china,
crystal, and silverware)

LOUIS XV GOLD by CERALENE [CERLOUG]  
http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/C/P0000010834S0001T2.jpg

MARIE ANTOINETTE-GOLD by RAYNAUD [RYDMAAN]
http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/R/P0000157654S0001T2.jpg


I believe that I have found a couple of active patterns that closely
match your favorites:

Noritake Chandon (Gold)  $59.99 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000049021

Spode Sheffield (Gold) $252.00 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000234561


In addition, I've identified several other patterns in which you might
be interested:

Mikasa Wedding Band Gold $49.99 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000633297

Lenox Golden Sand Dune (Gold) $79.95 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000362912

Gorham Grand Manor Gold  $49.99 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000820027

Wedgwood Royal Lapis (blue and gold) $109.99 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000008262

Lenox Citation Gold $79.95 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000076241

Lenox Eclipse (Gold and Black)  $40.80 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.kitchenetc.com/detail.cfm?link=729
http://www.lenox.com/pg/dsp_prod_pop.cfm?pid=6993&format=1 (picture)

Lenox Royal Arcade (Gold) $109.95 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.lenox.com/pg/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_prod_view&pid=7067&format=2&kf=55&i1=&i2=&i3=&i4=

Noritake Gilded Age  $49.99 per 5pc. place setting
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/Catalog.asp?category=Formal&family=IvoryPorcelain&product=1237
http://www.endpointgifts.com/pattern/noritake/gilded-age/ch/nori/giag.html



For the complete catalogue of Kitchen Etc.'s china:
http://www.kitchenetc.com/static/summary3.cfm?pageID=3&seq=1

JC Penney
http://www1.jcpenney.com/jcp/CategoryHOM.aspx?deptid=7107&catid=7428

Michael C. Fina
http://www.michaelcfina.com


Stores like Kitchen Etc and JC Penney only carry selected patterns
from a given manufacturer. The best way to see **all** the patterns
from a given maker is at their own website:

Lenox
http://www.lenox.com/pattern/index.cfm?fuseaction=search_pattern&ware_id=1

Mikasa
http://www.mikasa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&categoryId=1

Noritake
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/Catalog.asp?category=Formal

Royal Doulton
http://www.royaldoulton.com/main/htmlpages/product_selector_folder/tabletop_selector.htm

Gorham
http://www.gorham1831.com/v_pg/pg_gorham_1.cfm?ware=6&kf=product_cat&opt=&grp=ware

Waterford
http://www.waterford.com/shop/thumbnail.asp?id=58

Wedgewood
http://www.wedgwood.co.uk/wedgwood_default.asp

Spode
http://www.spode.co.uk/catalogue/range.asp?topGroupID=27

Dansk
http://www.dansk.com/products/download_catalog.html

Rosenthal
http://www.rosenthalchina.com/search.cfm?categoryII=Dinnerware&page=catII


The ***BEST*** -- bar none -- company from which to obtain replacement
pieces from discontinued patterns, as well as pieces for many active
patterns:
Replacements.com
http://www.replacements.com

I have purchased from this company, and can vouch for their speed and
customer service.


Search Strategy

I chose to start our search at Kitchen Etc. ( http://www.kitchenetc.com ) because:
1) They have an extensive number of china patterns, with good-sized
images of most of them;
2) I used them for my wedding registry, and I can personally vouch for
their fabulous Customer Service
3) and for their speed of delivery.

I then went to JCPenney.com, which I also used for my registry. They
come in a very close second in terms of Customer Service and Delivery
Speed.


I then sought out the websites for the individual china manufacturers,
a good list of which can be found here:
http://www.michaelcfina.com/cgi-bin/mcfina.cgi/process?mv_nextpage=class_all&ccode=CH
and here:
http://www.homeclick.com/showpage.asp?catpath=Tableware%2FChina&i=tableware_cat

and looked for manufacturers whose china matches both the style and
the price range you are seeking.


I hope that one of these patterns I singled out causes you to say,
"Yes! That's the one!" If you feel that one of these patterns meets
your needs, please let me know.

However, 
***my work on this Question is not done until you are satisfied***.

Before Rating my Answer, if you need additional assistance, please
post a Request for Clarification here, and I will be glad to see what
I can do.

Best wishes for a long and happy life together!

aceresearcher

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 11 May 2004 16:11 PDT

You've done a very nice job, but I'd really appreciate it if you could
help just a bit more.   My fiancee tells me that she really wants the
desired patterns in white, NOT off-white.  The examples were that way,
but I indicated we preferred off-white.
   Anyway, we've looked at all of suggested comparable dishes, and we
are not yet where we need to be.  So, Can you PLEASE, PLEASE see if
you can find some more comparable dishes in white, NOT off-white?  We
will be even more grateful if you could.  Many thanks!!!

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 11 May 2004 22:40 PDT

jred,

Give me a little time, and I'll see what I can find for you.

Some questions:
  Is gold trim required?
  Is color trim acceptable? (If so, what colors?)

Thanks,

ace

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 12 May 2004 13:58 PDT

Ace,

   Thanks!  Must have Gold trim, must be white (not off-white), and
needs to be slightly scalloped (not perfectly round), as 2 suggested
exemplars show.
   My eternal gratitude if you can find some more close matches!
John

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 12 May 2004 15:48 PDT

jred,

Is gold trim + another color okay? (If so, what color?)

Or do you want gold trim only?

Thanks,

ace

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 13 May 2004 05:50 PDT

Greeting!

The comparables MUST have gold trim, MUST be white (not off-white),
MUST be slightly scalloped (not perfectly round).

NO other colors, trims, types will do.

Please have another look at the two named (but too-expensive, or
discontinued) types cited originally, and for which you've provided
links in your first answer.

Thanks for sticking to this!

John

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 16 May 2004 16:04 PDT

Hi, jred!

I just wanted to let you know that I am still checking china catalogs for you.

Thanks,

ace

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 17 May 2004 11:02 PDT

Great, I'm glad you're still on it.  We anxiously await what wonderful
additional results you find (so we have found what we want at a great
price and can add that to our registry).

Thanks!

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 20 May 2004 05:11 PDT

Any luck yet on this?  We really hope you find some more great options
ASAP as our wedding date fast approaches, and the bridal showers have
already started taking place.
   Can you get back to me soon, soon, please, please?

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 20 May 2004 10:47 PDT

Hi, jred!

I'm still checking catalogs for china manufacturers (I never knew that
there were so many of them!). I found a couple of very close patterns,
but it appears that they've been discontinued. I'm awaiting an e-mail
response from one vendor as to whether another pattern shown on their
site is still available.

Here are two additional patterns I have found which are still active:

Noritake Imperial Gold (ivory) $39.95 to $46.00
http://www.silversuperstore.com/noritake/imperial_gold.html
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/ImagePopup.asp?image=//www.noritakechina.com/images/Products/Close_ups/7361.zoom.jpg
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/Catalog.asp?category=Formal&family=IvoryPorcelain&product=1304
http://www.bestwishes.net/imgolplat.html

Wedgwood Crown Gold (white) $93.00 per 5pc. place setting
     (or $99.00 per 5pc. place setting + free pasta / soup bowl)
http://store6.yimg.com/I/crayonsoup_1790_78714418
http://www.placesettings.com/wedgwood_crown_gold.htm
http://www.bestwishes.net/a-a-crown-gold.html
http://www.kitchenetc.com/detail.cfm?link=744
http://www.upscalegallery.com/china-silverware-flatware/crystal/China/WEDDWGCROW5PC/Wedgwood-Crown-Gold.html

Here is the shape you are seeking, in all white (no gold rim)
Villeroy and Boch Manoir  $92.00 per 5pc. place setting
http://www.placesettings.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=P&Category_Code=vbmanoir

Please let me know if any of these meets your needs.

Thanks,

ace

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 20 May 2004 11:33 PDT

Here's a better picture of Villeroy & Boch's Manoir pattern:

http://web.archive.org/web/20000512083102/http://www.mround.com/images/VIBMAN.jpg

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 20 May 2004 11:50 PDT

thans!  We will try and look at those links today and get back to you.
 I note that the link you just posted for a better view showed nice
plates but without any gold (or any other) trim.   We need gold trim,
slightly scalloped plates.  I hope the other(s) will have that. 
Thanks! john

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jred-ga on 22 May 2004 16:01 PDT

We are definitely closing in on the right alternative china!  Have you
come across any other comparables?  Please advise.
Thanks!
jr

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 24 May 2004 09:55 PDT

jred,

I have checked the active patterns in the following collections:

Alessi
Anna Weatherley
Arabia
Arabia / Iittala
Arte Italica
Arzberg
Aynsley
Belleek
Bernardaud
Bida Soa
Boda Nova
Borek Sipek
Bridgewater 
Bulgari
Calvin Klein
Christian Lacroix
Christofle
Claudia Baudo
Coalport
Daniel Levy
Dansk
Daum
Driade / Espaces & Lignes
Ercuis Raynaud 
Exeter
Faberge
Flügel
Fornasetti
Franciscan
Gien 
Gmundner Keramik
Gorham
Haviland Limoges 
Haviland Parlon  
HBHenriot / Quimper
Herend
Hermes
Home Essentials
Hutschenreuther
Isis
J. Seignolles
Jacques Jugeat
Jars
Jaune De Chrome
Jean-Louis Coquet
Johnson Brothers
Juliska
Kaiser
Kosta Boda
Lalique
Laure Japy
Lauriers
Lenox
Lindt Stymeist Design
Lladro
Lynn Chase
Maryse Boxer
Mason's Ironstone
Medard De Noblat
Mercantile
Mikasa / Studio Nova
Mottahedeh
Nambe
Nikko
Noritake
Pfaltzgraff
Philippe Deshoulieres 
Pickard
Poc A Poc
Poole Pottery
Porcelaine De Paris
Porcelaine De Sologne
Portmeirion 
Presentense
Propaganda
Puiforcat
Pupilles & Papilles
Ralph Lauren
Richard Ginori
Rochard
Romancing Provence
Rörstrand
Rosenthal / Winterling
Roy Kirkham 
Royal Albert
Royal Chintz
Royal Copenhagen
Royal Creamware
Royal Crown Derby
Royal Doulton / Minton
Royal Worcester
Sasaki
Seltmann Weiden
Simon Pearce
Spode
Thomas
Tirschenreuth
Versace
Villeroy & Boch
Vista Alegre  
Waterford
Wedgwood
Yves Deshoulieres / Porcelaine de Sologne
Zeller Keramik

The closest additional patterns that I have been able to find are the following:

Maryse Boxer for Dartmouth Pottery
This is stoneware, not bone china, so it will be off-white
http://www.m-e-k.nl/boxer/dinner.htm
The smaller plates are scalloped; the dinner plate is round
http://www.m-e-k.nl/boxer/dinner/culture_02.JPG

Charles Field Haviland Colette $380.00 per 5pc. place setting
Haviland & Parlon pattern 5624
http://www.havilandchinabyscotts.com/charles.htm
http://www.smallislandtrader.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/haviland_parlon/colette/splash.htm?E+trader2
http://www.tableware.uk.com/pattern.asp?cboManufacturer=480&cboPattern=2582
http://www.lvharkness.com/china/chinaPattern.asp?intProdID=991

It is not too surprising that no closer matches than those I've
already listed have been found; while it's pretty hard to enforce a
copyright on a round white plate with a plain gold band, the more
distinctive patterns in which you are interested are by the same
manufacturer, and if another maker produced a pattern too similar,
they would certainly be vulnerable to a suit for infringement of
copyright.

At this point, I'm not sure what other possibilities exist. Please let
me know how you would like to proceed.

Thanks,

ace