I bought Portmeirion years ago because I was tired of always having to buy a new set of dishes every time one set, plates, bread and butter, salad plates, finally broke. Piecing together different patterns just didn't work for me. With Portmeirion, you can always replace the broken pieces. That being said, the plates made in England are of a much better quality than those made in Asia - be certain to always check to see where your replacement pieces come from.