These are so beautiful and delicate looking. However, they are also sturdy, and a nice weight. I could not be more please with my purchase-which I made over 4 years ago. That is right over four years, and they are still in great shape-use them everyday. Washing them in the dish washer-different cycles. They were well worth what I paid for. I think they are more expensive now: because even though I don't currently need it, and probably won't for a long time-I want to have another set. If they ever do wear out, I want another set just in case they stop making these. If I never need it, I can give them to my daughter when she is grown.