Manufacturing Process
High-quality, luxury Staunton chess pieces are a testament to precise craftsmanship, often involving traditional methods passed down through generations. The process begins with selecting premium materials, such as exotic hardwoods and precious metals. The pieces are turned on a lathe from solid blocks of wood, hollowed out, polished, and felted.
The knight piece, in particular, stands out for its intricate hand-carving. Skilled artisans use specialized tools to create detailed features, like the horse's mane and expressive face, making each knight a unique work of art. This level of detail and craftsmanship is a mark of distinction in luxury Staunton sets.
Weighting and Balancing
Weighting and balancing are crucial aspects of high-end chess sets to ensure a superior playing experience. Luxury chess pieces are weighted with materials like lead or iron to give them a substantial feel. This added weight enhances stability, preventing pieces from toppling over during play. The balance is achieved by distributing the weight evenly within each piece, allowing for smooth handling and precise movement on the board.
Ethical Sourcing
We are committed to ethical sourcing for our chess sets, partnering with respected suppliers across Europe and beyond. The owners of Regency Chess Company personally visit each supplier to ensure fair treatment of craftsmen and ethical business practices. This hands-on approach guarantees that our sourcing methods adhere to the highest ethical standards.
To further our commitment to quality and ethics, we have opted not to import wooden chess sets from China. This decision reflects our stance against mass production and supports our focus on superior craftsmanship. Consequently, you will not find any Chinese wooden chess sets on our website. Our dedication to ethical sourcing and high-quality products remains a cornerstone of our business philosophy.
Ebony Wood
Ebony wood is prized for its deep black colour and fine texture, making it a popular choice for luxury chess pieces. However, it is not the most sustainable option due to its slow growth and the overharvesting of ebony trees. To balance the impact, some manufacturers take active steps such as:
Sustainable Harvesting: Working with suppliers who practice sustainable harvesting to ensure ebony trees are not depleted.
Replanting Programs: Participating in or funding reforestation efforts to replace harvested ebony trees.
Certification: Using wood certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures responsible forest management.
Despite these efforts, there is a growing concern that ebony might become banned in the future due to environmental pressures. Therefore, some brands are already exploring alternative materials that offer similar aesthetics and quality but with a lower ecological footprint.
Investment Value of Ebony Wood
Given its increasing rarity and the potential for future restrictions on its use, ebony wood has become a valuable investment. As the availability of ebony diminishes, the demand for luxury items made from this exquisite material is likely to rise. Owning chess pieces crafted from ebony not only provides a superior tactile and visual experience but also represents a sound investment. Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase ebony chess sets now, as their value and scarcity are expected to increase over time.