Shelby - Some questions to ask yourself as you investigate these items:
Can you tell if the plates are porcelain or not? (Hold one up to a strong light source and see if you can see light through it - if so, they are probably porcelain - either hard or soft paste.) Does the circular 'foot' on the bottom feel glassy and is it very white? That would also probably indicate porcelain. Or is it in any way rough or perhaps not quite 'white', which could mean they are some kind of 'pottery' or perhaps 'bone china' (which also isn't pure white because it actually contains bone ash). Hard to tell from a photo and of course distinguishing between 'fine china' and porcelain may be very difficult since I think the only real differences there is that one is harder than the other due to a difference in firing temperatures.
Can you hear a 'bell-like ring' (similar to testing for crystal glasses but may be not as clear/loud) when you tap the edge of the plates (or you can try this on a cup - carefully) with a fingernail or does it thud? Porcelain will generally 'ring' but I am not sure if bone or fine will.
Can you tell if the pattern appears to be a decal or hand painted? If all the plates seem to be too perfectly decorated and all alike, it is probable that the main pattern was created with decals (although the gold edge may still be hand-painted). Are there any visible differences at all between pieces? Any slight lumps or dents or other imperfections? Older china that was handcrafted may not be completely perfect or be consistent across all the pieces. Mass produced china may be imperfect in decoration but that will be consistent across all pieces. Is there any crazing at all? And if there is crazing, is it uniform or random in appearance?
I am sorry that I don't know the answer to your question but I hope that you can find it - and I too would have recommended Replacements.com had I seen this earlier. But, figuring out a few basic things about the composition and decoration, especially since there is no maker's mark apparent, may help you further identify things if replacements.com can't help you or you don't go that route.
Anyway .. the china (whatever it is) has a very pretty pattern I agree - and I hope you find out what it is and whether there is any significant monetary value - though since it has come down in your family, it already has a wonderful provenance and I am sure great emotional value.
