High Quality Chess Pieces

Jacques of London vs House of Staunton? Is there a real difference in quality at the high ends?

Chess pieces are chess pieces. You only need a standard plastic set, those last a while if you aren't too clumsy. Wooden ones only look nice, there's not much difference in functionality other than heartbreak when you accidentally drop them. Qualitywise, they should be the same.

I realize chess pieces are just chess pieces...but, I am interested in owning a high quality set. Does anyone know about the difference in my original post?

I don't own Jacques of London, but I do own 2 HOS sets.  It appears that Jacques is a little more traditional than HOS, but quality wise I just don't know if there is a difference.  Hard to imagine better than HOS and they will stand by their products.  Don't let the naysayers dissuade you from your quest.  A quality chess set is a wonderful purchase that will give you pleasure for decades.  Too bad HOS has backed off it's Ebay auctions, but there are still some bargains to be had there both from HOS and the used market.  Best of luck and sorry I couldn't be more help.

There was a discussion about this in the chess equipment forum not too long ago:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/house-of-staunton-vs-jaques-of-london

My thanks to you, Baddogno, and to you Mr. Collins.  I appreciate your serious responses.  I also believe a quality chess is a wonderful purchase and I intend to have one.  Whether it be HOS or J. of L. remains to be determined.  I have the impression that J. of L. and it's prices reflect its pride in its name....you pay more for a Mercedez or a Porsche, both quality items, but price inflated somewhat by their names...I guess the bottom line  for me is to choose the set I like, and go for it.  My thanks, gentlemen!

Samuel Reshevsky, the great Western chess player before Fischer, played on a set that had a Spanish coin for a rook (may have been rook's pawn) because he'd lost that piece. Owning a nice set is good as a decoration but it obviously contributes nothing toward improving at chess

Investing the money you'd spend on an expensive chess set would be put to better use with chess books, lessons with a GM, joining a chess club, OTB tournaments, etc.

I''m not asking for advice on how to spend my money.  I only wish opinions on whether or not there is a meaningful quality difference between high end HOS sets and J. of L. sets. 

I got a hand carved chess set from Barnes and Noble last year for like 40$. Good investment I must say.

Chessbaron.co.uk looks full of possibilities. On line prices are much better than the only shop in town. I have to admit that I appeciate quality when possible. The game is more important but there is magic in great pieces.

If you play lots ob blitz, i dont think its good to buy expensive sets. Might as well get the plastic set at least they dont break when accidentally dropped or during piece exchanges.

Thanks Estragon...for your serious reply. I do hesitate to make such a purchase sight unseen. I guess I must rely on the integrity of the vendor and their return policy. I would keep this set at home to be used for study and casual games with friends. And, as a little piece of chess art alongside my other cherished acquisitions.

     I also have a real nice wooden set that i got from USCF along with a Nice board, and it makes studying and playing just a nice experience much nicer then on a plastic set. Altogether probably somewhere around $350 but since i really only have a $1 in it , won the money on a $1 scratch off lottery ticket i would have to say it has been a good investment.

Try www.chesscentre.com they go up to £1000+.