If you want a beautiful chess set for the home, then you will love those made of stone. These aren't only beautiful but built to last for years of playing, whether with family or friends. However, selecting the best stone chess sets can be a bit confusing, even if you narrowed down the material already!
So, what are the best ones to invest in today? Read on as I show you my reviews on the eight best stone chess sets to help you out.
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Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top Stone Chess Sets
- The Eight Best Stone Chess Sets
- 1. The Beautiful and Strong: RADICALn 15-Inch Large Handmade Chess Game Set
- 2. The Affordable and Bright: Radicaln Handmade Chess Game Set
- 3. The Well-Crafted and Durable: NOVICA Handcarved Marble Stone Chess Set
- 4. The Unique and Luxury: Koehler Medieval Knights Chess Game Set
- 5. The Unique and Storage-Friendly: Rajasthan Stone Art Unique Chess Set
- 6. The Simple and Smooth: StonKraft Stone Chess Game Board Set
- 7. The Exclusive and Grand: Design Toscano Gods of Greek Mythology Complete Chess Set
- 8. The Detailed and Antique-Style: Deco Poly-Stone Chess Set
- How to Purchase the Best Stone Chess Set
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping It Up
Quick Comparison: Top Stone Chess Sets
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The Eight Best Stone Chess Sets
After much checking, these are the eight stone chess sets I recommend you invest in:
1. The Beautiful and Strong: RADICALn 15-Inch Large Handmade Chess Game Set
The RADICALn Chess Game Set is my editor's choice for good reason! This is one of the most popular and reputable companies known for their chess sets, and this marble set is no exception. It's handcrafted and has a classic traditional design that makes it nice to admire and play with.
Beyond its looks, I also admire the weight and sturdiness of the board and pieces. They are solid and feel very smooth to the touch, I can see how well-made each individual piece is! They seem to be a bit fragile though, so you have to be careful when handling it to prevent breakage from drops and bumps.
Overall, for its price, the RADICALn surpasses expectations, giving you more than what you paid for. I can see this as a long-lasting chess set to beautify your home and have the family more encouraged to play.
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Amazing handcrafted pieces and board
- Made with smooth marble in classy colors
- Arrives in safe packaging to ensure no shipment issues
- Pieces are made with intricate detail and don’t chip
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Marble
- Board dimensions: 15x15 inches
- King Height: 3 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
If you want a slightly more affordable RADICALn chess set, then you'll love this one. It's made with Onyx and marble stone this time, having the white and gold-green hues for a brighter look. It does come in a slightly smaller size, making it a great addition if you have a smaller space for it.
It has excellent smoothness and texture with equally premium-quality pieces. Plus, the entire set is handcrafted to ensure attention to detail in all pieces without scrimping on beauty. That's why it's worth the investment, because you receive something solid, good-looking, and made to last for many chess games.
The only drawback is that it’s pretty heavy, though this is normal for quality and natural stone sets.
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Exquisite and detailed handcrafted pieces
- Made from high-quality and natural stone material
- Unique green and white colors for a brighter appearance
- Arrives in safe and fragile packaging for no damage
- Smaller size to fit smaller spaces and still look good
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Onyx and marble
- Board dimensions: 12x12x12 inches
- King Height: N/A
- Weight: 10.56 pounds
The NIVOCA Chess Set is made of marble stone and has the gorgeous rose pink and black color variations. This is a moderately-priced stone chess set that doesn’t scrimp on construction or material. It even comes with the official NOVICA Story Card to certify both its quality and authenticity!
What sets this chess set apart is its artisan quality from a reputable company. It's hand-carved and crafted with durability and aesthetics in mind to last long. Besides this, you get the traditional chessboard style with a touch of pink to go beyond "normal."
With all this in mind, the NIVOCA Chess Set is made for those who are looking for something reasonably priced and beautiful for a minimalist yet classy ambiance. It’s like looking at art while you learn the ropes of chess!
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Gorgeous black and pink color variations for a tough of brightness and class
- Hand-carved and sculpted with detail and quality construction
- Made with premium marble for a smooth and weighted feel
- Reputable company that ensure beautiful, strong chess sets
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Marble
- Board dimensions: 14x14 inches
- King Height: N/A
- Weight: 16 pounds
The Koehler Medieval Knights Chess Game Set brings out the fun in the game! It’s designed for those who adore the medieval times and gives rooms the traditional and olden touch with. Every piece is made with detail and the craftsmanship is excellent, from weighted pieces to the fine board.
While the weight is just right for me, it may be heavier for others, so be careful when handling it! I do appreciate the weighted pieces, which add to the playing experience and aren't easy to knock off. The polyresin stone material, though not as classy as marble or onyx, still feels smooth and strong enough to withstand daily use.
In terms of quality, you do get what you pay for as it comes at an affordable price. That said, with proper care, you won’t have to worry about it chipping or scratching as easily. It looks amazing and those who love the medieval and fantasy times will love this set!
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Fun medieval knights design for fantasy geeks
- Weighted board and pieces for a solid build
- Great detail in its pieces without the higher price
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Polyresin and stone
- Board dimensions: 17x17 inches
- King Height: N/A
- Weight: 15 pounds
The Rajasthan Stone Art Chess Set has a unique design with an attractive box and board! Both pieces and board are made from stone, with the pieces hand-carved by the artisan of Jaipur for authenticity and intricate detail in mind. The board is also made of wood for a lightweight feel and with a design to store pieces when not in use.
Because of the way it’s designed, this makes the chess set a bit easier to travel with or store as well. It comes at the travel-friendly size and weight, good for either decoration or bringing around. The pieces are weighted with a lighter board for convenience, making it great for children and adults alike.
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Good size and convenient to carry around with its lightweight properties
- Can store pieces inside the stone-wood chess board for safekeeping
- Interesting and hand-carved design that looks attractive in all homes
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Stone and wood
- Board dimensions: 10x10 inches
- King Height: N/A
- Weight: 3 pounds
If you want a simple chess set, the StonKraft Chess Game Set offers the traditional look and feel. This chessboard and its pieces are made with a combination of Indian wood and stone, constructed using the inlay method. This ensures its strength, so it isn't easy to break.
I appreciate that the chess set can keep the chess pieces for safe storage while not in use. This also makes it a bit easier to travel with, though the board itself isn’t foldable. It’s lightweight enough with slightly weighted pieces to bring around as needed.
With that said, it's a smaller design, and the lightweight pieces still look amazing when displayed. If you want decoration and a set you can travel with, StonKraft is for you.
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Slightly compact design with storage to keep pieces safe
- A bit lightweight, making it easy to travel around with
- Made with high-quality Indian wood and stone for good looks and durability
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Stone and wood
- Board dimensions: 12x122 inches
- King Height: 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
Greek Mythology lovers out there will love the Design Toscano Gods of Greek Mythology Chess Set! This is a collectible and made with exceptional material and craftsmanship. You can see the details of each piece, handmade and individually sculpted to look real and exquisite.
The pieces are hand-cast in bonded natural stone, then polished for a smooth finish. The board is made of work with walnut and maple veneer inlays, but still as strong and smooth as stone.
The chess set does come at a higher price range, but you get what you pay for in quality and looks. For the fans of Greek Mythology and those who want to add even more aesthetic and traditional style to their rooms, this chess set is an excellent purchase. Many people will want to play more with the set and it makes for a great conversation piece!
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Excellent detail with individually sculpted pieces
- High-quality stone and wood material for durability and beauty
- Unique Gods of Greek Mythology theme for class and heirloom
- Weighted pieces and board for good playing feel
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Stone and wood
- Board dimensions: 21x21 inches
- King Height: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
Last but not least, the Deco 79 Poly-Stone Chess Set is one made for those who focus on cheaper prices. While it comes at an inexpensive price, it has a beautiful design that looks to be a limited edition. This makes it a great addition to most homes for a nice touch.
Besides this, the chess set also has the weight and sturdy feel to it, adding to its strength and playing experiences.
However, you do have to be wary because of its price tag! If you are on an extreme budget but still want a beautiful stone chess set, this one is for you.
It’s still heavy-duty and made to last while still looking good, you just have to be careful when handling it to prevent damage and scratches. I see it more as for playing rather than decoration to last for years to come.
What Makes This Stone Chess Set Stand Out
- Beautiful and limited-edition design
- Made with rust-free and metal alloy with poly-stone
- Less prone to rust and easier to maintain
- Comes at a cheaper price for a poly-stone chess set
Set Features and Specs
- Material: Poly-Stone
- Board dimensions: 18x12.5x12.5 inches
- King Height: N/A
- Weight: 4 pounds
How to Purchase the Best Stone Chess Set
How can you narrow down your choices among these eight stone chess sets? There are more important factors to consider when doing so, such as:
What’s It Made Out Of?
Various types of natural stones are carved and made for chess sets. Popular options are:
- Marble
- Alabaster
- Onyx
- Jade
- Granite
- Soapstone
It's important to know what you want, as each material has its unique feel and look to it. I recommend marble for its smooth texture!
Besides the type of material, you should also be wary about the cheap imitation stone materials! These are usually cheaper sets, which don’t only compromise its looks, but its quality and durability, making it prone to damage.
You can check customer reviews and the product description to ensure that it isn’t made of knock-off materials. Not to worry though, the products I reviewed are made with high-quality and natural stones!
The Stone Coloration and Variations
Each stone material also has its different color variations, which is another thing to look into.
For instance, the marble would usually come in white and gray, while onyx comes in signature black colors. Other stones such as granite have more color variations, so you can choose from many color combinations according to your taste.
Companies can alter the natural look of stone, but not for all types. Let's say you want an onyx set for its feel but want it in blue. You will need to sacrifice the material or color to do so, which is why you have to consider the colors you want, then look into the material it's made of.
As long as the stone is natural and from high-quality suppliers, you won’t have to worry about its strength and durability.
Chess Design and Style
What’s great about stone chess sets is its double purpose: As a way to learn a new game AND for decoration! Because of its beauty, chess companies create various styles and designs suitable for most homes, whether for grand and luxurious or modern ambiances.
If you're focusing more on aesthetics, find out the different themes and colors that will work well for your home. There are stone chess sets that are styles in themes like Greek Mythology, Medieval Times, or even the classic chess set style. The sky is the limit with stone chess set designs, so choose one according to what looks good for YOU and the home.
Size and Weight
Ask yourself: Will this chess set be for home or travel use? If you want something for travel, then you need set that’s a bit lighter and more compact, coming with a case for easy carrying and fitting into luggage. There ARE stone chess sets that come in smaller sizes, though be wary with its weight, as natural stone is also naturally heavy!
For those who want something for home use, then the size and weight matter a bit less. Make sure you measure the space allotted for the chess set before investing in one to prevent any space issues. You may want something a bit bigger not just for decoration, but to also have better playing experience.
But remember: The larger the chess set, the more expensive it can get!
Price and Brand Reputation
Take note that marble and stone chess sets come at a higher price range compared to wooden ones. Mining for natural stones are expensive, as well as the craftsmanship put into it! The typical price ranges between $100 to $500 or above, depending on the brand, material, and construction.
That said, you don't need to break the bank when investing in a stone chess set. Avoid going for the cheaper ones below $100, as this may not be as durable or good-looking, costing you in replacement if it damages. Rather, look for a stone chess set at YOUR reasonable budget, with $150 to $250 giving you a fine product.
As for branding, I trust the companies of the chess sets I reviewed above. They are all well known for their stylish and luxurious chess sets that are built to last for years when well-taken cared for. You can never go wrong with names like RADICALn or NOVICA!
Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond the best stone chess sets and how to choose the right one, what else do you need to learn? Here are frequently asked questions about these chess sets to further educate you on these products:
1. Why choose a stone chess set over other materials?
I know how expensive stone chess sets are compared to other materials, so why should you choose stone? Here are the benefits these chess sets can offer:
- Stone is a much stronger material compared to wood, withstanding various environmental elements. It isn't prone to deterioration from termites and the like and is easier to clean and maintain. It lasts longer, making it a sound investment if you plan to use it for years.
- Most stone chess sets come in various designs with intricate detail and style. This is a decorative piece that adds a luxurious or grand touch to any room.
- Its designs (and higher price) also make it encouraging for the household to use and play with the chess set. It's a great way to introduce the game to young ones because of their interesting styles. That way, everyone has great playing experience, whether loved ones or visitors.
2. How do I clean a stone chess set?
Cleaning and caring for stone chess sets are a bit different compared to doing so with wooden ones. To properly clean and maintain your set to last long, follow these helpful tips:
- Dust your chess set regularly, and more often if you live in humid climates. This will protect your chess set against scratches from any fine dust particles which accumulate on the surface.
- I clean my chess set every 1-2 weeks or when I see dust I can’t remove through dusting, using mild detergent, soap, or special stone cleaner. Use a soft cleaner cloth with the soap and a LITTLE warm water, then dry the surface using a soft cloth immediately afterward. Don’t use any harsh chemicals such as acid cleaning solutions or abrasive liquid cleaners, which scratch the material.
- If someone spilled on the set, blot it quickly and do NOT wipe or scrub the spill. This has the stain seep in and further stain the stone.
- If you need to store your stone chess set, cover it well and place it in an area without direct sunlight and in room temperature, no humidity. The same goes for when you display it in a room.
Do you want to learn more about stone chess sets and see how they are built? This cool video shows you how they are made so you can see why these beautiful chess sets are worth their price range:
Wrapping It Up
Stone chess sets are excellent long-term investments that price up your home decor while helping you learn new skills. These are stronger and much more durable compared to other materials, also having the intricate design that makes it look luxurious. While a bit on the pricier side, you have assured a set to last for years in the family.
Hopefully, my purchasing guide on the best stone chess sets gave you insight on what to invest in. Now that you’re familiar with the top choices, look into getting any of these chess sets for your home and use!
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