Why is it hard to match replacement pieces for a Limoges set?

Limoges production spans many companies and decades, with many variations in patterns, rims, and shapes. A plate’s pattern may look the same at first glance, but the shape of the rim, the number of scallops, or the spacing of the gold lines can vary from one production batch to another. Even with the same pattern, a company may change the shade of the flower, the thickness of the band, or the placement of the motif. Hand-painted sets add another layer, as no two hand-painted plates can ever be a perfect match. When choosing replacement plates, look for three things, the maker’s mark, the exact shape, and a close-up of the rim area. If you find one that’s nearly identical, buy a sample before investing in an entire set.