I am VERY particular about dishes so I had spent hour combing the internet for dishes that would be the right size to fit in my cabinet. (The cabinet depth was only 12 inches so often dinner plates are too big and then the door will not close completely) I was also looking for plates that were colorful but not all the same. These dishes were all of that and more. They were not too heavy like some and being dishwasher and microwave safe were ideal. But what I was most happy with was the finish on the plate. Many plates can be "gritty" feeling, as if they were not glazed enough. These were smooth and not cheap feeling. They are so pretty and mix so well with all of the other pieces in the collection without being matchy matchy!!