Care & Maintenance of Fine Italian Ceramics/Majolica

Q:  Is it Ok to put the dinnerware in the dishwasher?
 

Majolica is a low-fired earthenware and chips more easily than china dinnerware. With repeated use, Majolica has a tendency to "craze" (forming minuscule lines in the glazing).
This crazing is the nature of Majolica, and has no significant effect on the ceramics.  Our dinnerware items are dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to place the dishes or ceramics far apart to avoid touching each other during the high pressure dish-washing.  It may also be helpful to set your dishwasher to a "low energy/cool dry" cycle if available.  This will help prevent chips and cracks in your fine ceramics.  Some items indicate they are "best for decorative purposes only" because they do not have the same durable, shiny glaze used on dinnerware.  These items are best cleaned by use of a feather duster or a moist cloth.

Q:  Can I use the dinnerware on the stove or in the microwave?

Due to its characteristic thickness and earthenware porosity, ceramic dinnerware may be damaged by exposure to extremely hot temperatures.  Our dinnerware products are "serving" pieces and are not meant to be used for cooking or re-heating.  Please note:  we do not recommend putting the ceramics into the oven or the microwave. 

Q:  I bought several items from one pattern, why do the pieces seem a little bit different from each other?
 

Because each piece of Majolica and ceramic is individually crafted, you will notice slight variations in color and size. Occasionally you will note paint smudges, fingerprints and looseness of lids. These variances should not be considered as imperfections, but as evidence of fine, hand-crafted work.

Q:  Are the dishes safe for food?

Yes.  All of our dinnerware products are 100% lead free and food safe!  In addition, each dinnerware product is inspected and tested to comply with FDA standards. Our manufacturers do NOT use any glaze or color pigment with lead content in our dinnerware and tabletop products.  Some items indicate they are "best for decorative purposes only" because they do not have the same durable, shiny glaze used on dinnerware.  These items are best cleaned by use of a feather duster or a most cloth.

Q:  Can I place the ceramics outside?

Yes. Our Pots, Planters and Cachepots are 100% glazed (inside and outside) and therefore guaranteed to be freeze-resistant.  We do not carry any unglazed terracotta earthenware which fares poorly in freezing conditions because any moisture absorbed will freeze and cause cracking.
 
For more information on Majolica and how it is created, see About Majolica. 

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