Are hand-painted Limoges pieces always more valuable than printed ones?

Hand-painted items can increase value, but they are not guaranteed. Value generally depends on the maker’s reputation, the skill of the decorator, the rarity of the scene or pattern, the condition, and the demand for that style. A hand-painted floral plate from an unknown decorating studio may sell for less than a printed, well-documented dinner plate from a desirable home in excellent condition. Look at the brushwork in good lighting, for great hand-painted items feature layered colours, clean shadows, and subtle line variations. Transfer prints can also look bright, but they often repeat well from one piece to another without brush variations. Signed decoration can help, but signatures can be added by decorators of varying skill levels. If you plan to sell, compare actual listings of items sold by the same maker and pattern, not just the phrase “hand-painted Limoges.”