Noritake Dinnerware Review (2023): Is This Luxury Brand Worth It?

When it comes to high-end tableware and fine china, Noritake is one of the most distinguished names around. Synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, Noritake has been producing exquisite dinnerware for over a century. But with its luxury price tag, is Noritake really worth the investment? As a fan of beautiful table settings myself, I wanted to take a closer look at this iconic brand and see if it lives up to the hype.

In this comprehensive Noritake review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on the brand‘s history, most popular collections, product quality, and overall value. I‘ve scoured hundreds of customer reviews and even tested out some of Noritake‘s bestsellers myself to help you decide if this premium dinnerware deserves a place at your table. So grab a cup of tea and let‘s dive in!

About Noritake: A Legacy of Luxury

Noritake‘s story began in 1876 when the Morimura brothers founded a trading company in New York to export traditional Japanese products to the American market. In 1904, the company officially established a production facility in Noritake, Japan (a village near Nagoya) to manufacture westernized dinnerware for export.

Combining Japanese porcelain expertise with European china designs proved to be a winning formula. Noritake quickly gained international recognition for its superior quality and artistry. The brand supplied dinnerware to the Japanese Imperial Household and luxury ocean liners in the early 20th century.

Over the decades, Noritake continued to innovate and expand globally. Today, it has subsidiaries in the US, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and beyond. While most of its products are still made in Japan, Noritake also operates a state-of-the-art factory in Sri Lanka to meet demand.

What hasn‘t changed is Noritake‘s commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship. Many of its 400+ talented artisans come from a long lineage of porcelain makers, preserving generational knowledge and techniques. It can take years to master the delicate skills required to mold, fire, glaze and hand-paint each piece to perfection.

Noritake Product Overview

Noritake offers an extensive range of dinnerware, drinkware, serveware and home decor. While bone china is its signature material, the brand also produces stoneware, crystal glassware, and porcelain figurines.

Some of Noritake‘s most famous collections include:

  • Platinum Wave – A bestselling pattern featuring a subtle scrolling platinum band that adds a touch of refined elegance to any table. Crafted from durable, lightweight bone china.

  • Yoshino – Inspired by springtime cherry blossoms, this lovely floral pattern is hand-painted in soft shades of pink and grey. Instant heirloom material.

  • Crestwood Gold – For those who prefer a more ornate aesthetic, this lavish gold and white collection makes a grand statement. Perfect for holiday entertaining.

  • Colorwave – One of Noritake‘s more contemporary offerings, Colorwave comes in a rainbow of solid glossy hues to mix, match and stack in endless combinations.

  • Hammered Radiance – Textured bone china with a subtle metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. Artsy yet understated.

Besides these core collections, Noritake regularly releases new seasonal patterns and limited edition collaborations to keep things fresh. The brand has recently partnered with luminaries like fashion designer Kenzo Takada and watercolor artist Yui Morimoto.

Top Noritake Products Reviewed

Now that you have a general idea of Noritake‘s lineup, let‘s zero in on some of its most popular pieces and evaluate them in more detail.

1. Platinum Wave 5-Piece Place Setting

Specs:

  • Includes dinner plate, salad plate, bread & butter plate, teacup and saucer
  • Made of bone china with platinum banding
  • Dishwasher-safe (no metal utensils)

Pros:

  • Lightweight yet sturdy
  • Elegant design elevates any meal
  • Easy to dress up or down

Cons:

  • Expensive at $200 per setting
  • Some reviewers report platinum band wearing off over time

Verdict: An enduring classic that will never go out of style. Worth the splurge for special occasions, but maybe not for heavy daily use.

Customer Review: "I absolutely love my Platinum Wave china. It‘s so delicate and refined, yet still practical enough for regular use. I get compliments every time I use it for dinner parties. An investment piece that I know I will treasure for life." – Elizabeth L.

2. Colorwave Coupe Dinner Plates

Specs:

  • Sold individually or as set of 4
  • 10.75" diameter
  • Bone china in various solid glossy colors
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe

Pros:

  • Modern, minimalist aesthetic
  • Incredibly durable and chip-resistant
  • Mixes well with other solid color pieces
  • More affordable than other Noritake collections at $30-40 per plate

Cons:

  • Some colors look different in person than online
  • Solid color may not be formal enough for some occasions

Verdict: A great option for everyday dining with a bold, contemporary look. The coupe shape makes plating fun.

Customer Review: "I started out with a 4-piece setting in Turquoise and loved them so much I ended up buying more colors! The quality is excellent – no chips or cracks after 2 years of regular use. I love that I can easily change up the look of my table by mixing different Colorwave pieces." – Jenna S.

3. Yoshino Teapot

Specs:

  • 40 oz capacity
  • Bone china with floral decal
  • 24k gold trim
  • Not microwave safe, hand wash only

Pros:

  • Showstopping cherry blossom design
  • Generous size for serving tea or coffee
  • Complements Yoshino dinnerware beautifully

Cons:

  • Pricey at $216
  • More decorative than functional, not for heavy use
  • Hand wash only

Verdict: A gorgeous statement piece for afternoon tea or special brunches. The ultimate gift for floral fans and tea lovers.

Customer Review: "I fell head over heels for the Yoshino pattern and just had to have the teapot to complete my collection. It‘s truly a work of art – the details on the cherry blossoms are breathtaking. It does feel a bit delicate so I only bring it out for special occasions, but it never fails to impress my guests." – Adrienne T.

What Do Customers Think of Noritake?

To get a broader sense of how Noritake measures up, I analyzed hundreds of online customer reviews from the brand‘s website, department stores, and independent review platforms. Here are the key takeaways:

Positives:

  • Exceptional quality and durability
  • Lightweight and comfortable to hold
  • Stunning designs with lots of variety
  • Makes a great wedding or housewarming gift
  • Many reviewers have used Noritake for 20+ years

Negatives:

  • Expensive, especially for larger sets
  • Some issues with pieces arriving chipped or broken
  • Stock can be inconsistent, items often on backorder
  • Customer service is not always responsive
  • Seen as stuffy and old-fashioned by some

Overall, the vast majority of Noritake customers (80%+) have had positive experiences with the brand and would recommend it to others. While it‘s not immune to the occasional defect or shipping mishap, Noritake‘s products are generally very well made and hold up impressively over time.

Many reviewers commented that Noritake‘s prices, while high, are justified by the exceptional quality and longevity of the pieces. It‘s the kind of dinnerware you invest in once and use for a lifetime. Numerous customers also praised Noritake‘s versatility, noting that it easily transitions from everyday dining to formal entertaining.

On the flip side, some reviewers found Noritake‘s traditional designs a bit dated and fussy compared to more modern brands. The brand‘s formal reputation and premium prices can be intimidating for casual buyers. A few customers also expressed frustration with Noritake‘s hit-or-miss customer service and stock issues, which is surprising for a luxury brand.

Is Noritake Worth It?

So, is Noritake truly worth the investment? As someone who appreciates the finer things in life, I would say yes, with a few caveats.

There‘s no denying that Noritake makes some of the highest quality, most beautifully crafted dinnerware on the market. Its pieces have a weightless, silky smooth feel that sets them apart from ordinary tableware. The attention to detail, from the hand-painted gold accents to the perfectly symmetrical shapes, is outstanding. And with proper care, Noritake products can easily last for decades.

However, Noritake is definitely a luxury purchase. The brand‘s prices are substantially higher than more middle-of-the-road options like Lenox or Mikasa (more on that in a bit). It‘s the kind of investment you make when you‘re ready to upgrade to heirloom-quality dinnerware that will be passed down for generations.

Noritake may not be the best choice if you have an extremely active household with young children or clumsy guests. While durable, its delicate bone china can still chip or break if handled roughly. The formal designs also may not suit more casual, modern aesthetics.

Ultimately, I think Noritake is 100% worth the splurge for milestone events like weddings, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings. It instantly elevates any tablescape and shows your guests that you went the extra mile. For everyday dining, maybe start with a few essential pieces and gradually collect more over time.

How Noritake Compares to Other Brands

Of course, Noritake isn‘t the only high-end dinnerware brand out there. Here‘s a quick comparison to some of its top competitors:

  • Wedgwood – Another heritage brand that specializes in fine bone china, Wedgwood is similarly priced to Noritake but with a more English sensibility. It‘s known for its iconic blue and white Jasperware.

  • Lenox – The oldest American porcelain brand, Lenox offers a wide range of classic to contemporary designs at slightly lower price points than Noritake. It‘s a great option for fine yet practical dinnerware.

  • Royal Doulton – Steeped in British tradition, Royal Doulton is acclaimed for its intricate, colorful patterns and collectible figurines. Prices are comparable to Noritake.

  • Bernardaud – Hailing from Limoges, France, Bernardaud is the epitome of effortless elegance. Its gorgeous hand-painted designs come at a premium.

  • Rosenthal – Based in Germany, Rosenthal collaborates with top designers for its sleek, architectural porcelain collections. More cutting edge than Noritake.

Compared to these esteemed brands, I would say Noritake has an edge in terms of its lightweight bone china, tasteful yet timeless patterns, and solid reputation for quality. Value-wise, it‘s on par with other luxury labels. In the end, the right brand for you comes down to your personal style and how you expect to use your dinnerware.

Where to Buy Noritake

Ready to start your Noritake collection? You can purchase the brand directly from its official website, Noritake.com. There you‘ll find the widest selection of current and retired patterns, as well as exclusive items and limited editions.

If you prefer to see and feel the products in person, Noritake is carried by many high-end department stores including:

  • Bloomingdale‘s
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Macy‘s
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Dillard‘s

You can also find great deals on discontinued Noritake patterns at specialty retailers like Replacements Ltd. And don‘t forget to check your local independent housewares store, which may offer more personalized service and curated Noritake selections.

Tips for Buying and Caring for Noritake

To ensure you get the most value and enjoyment out of your Noritake dinnerware, keep these tips in mind:

  • Always check the care instructions before purchasing. Some patterns may not be microwave or dishwasher safe.
  • If ordering online, inspect your pieces carefully upon arrival for any defects. Contact customer service immediately if you notice any issues.
  • To prevent scratching or chipping, avoid stacking Noritake pieces without felt pads or liners in between.
  • Never place Noritake in the microwave unless it is specifically labeled as microwave-safe. The gold trims can cause sparking and damage.
  • When hand washing, use a mild detergent and avoid abrasive sponges or scrubbers. Dry thoroughly before storing.
  • If you notice any signs of wear on the finish, have your pieces professionally polished or re-glazed to restore their luster.
  • Consider purchasing a few extra pieces in case of breakage down the line, as patterns may be discontinued.

With a little TLC, your Noritake dinnerware can be enjoyed for many years and passed down to future generations. It‘s truly an investment in making memories around the table.

Conclusion

Noritake has earned its status as one of the world‘s premier dinnerware brands for good reason. Its exquisite craftsmanship, enduring designs, and rich heritage set a gold standard for luxury tableware. While it may require a substantial upfront investment, Noritake delivers consistent quality and sophistication that can be cherished for a lifetime.

Sure, it‘s not the cheapest or trendiest option out there. But when it comes to setting a unforgettable table for those special "pinch me" moments in life – the weddings, the anniversaries, the holiday feasts – nothing quite compares to Noritake. It has a magic that makes every meal feel like a momentous occasion.

Whether you start with a single show-stopping serving piece or go all in on a lavish set for 12, Noritake will elevate your dining experience with timeless grace and beauty. And what could be a better investment than that?

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