If there is any gold or silver trim, not safe for microwave.

I decided it wasn't worth the risk to use them so I tossed them. So many of china back then contains lead.

Thanks, I didn't know those existed!

What about the microwave?

There are swab test kits for this.

I cannot vouch for the accuracy of any brands, but here is an example.

https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Testing-Kit-Dishes-Accuracy/dp/B0CHVY475L/ref=asc_df_B0CHVY475L/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16494431897885796267&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019250&hvtargid=pla-2281435180218&psc=1&mcid=3131f0e3452833f29fc22e7d46419a0e&hvocijid=16494431897885796267-B0CHVY475L-&hvexpln=73

You can buy swabs to swipe them with to tell you if they have lead.

I have a set of my grandma's dishes (I say china, but they are actually ceramic or earthenware). My kids are out of the house now, and I'd like to use them as every day dishes. I don't care if they get broken or chipped. But, how do I know if I can put them in the dishwasher, if they can be microwaved, and if they have anything dangerous in them (like lead)?

They are "Winfield" brand, made in California, purchased in the early 1950s.