Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing handcrafted tableware is different from buying mass-produced dishes. Here are answers to the most common questions so you can buy with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Product
Are your pieces really hand-painted?
Yes. Every piece is painted freehand by artisans in Deruta, Italy.
No stencils. No transfers. No mass production shortcuts.
That means slight variations in brushwork and pattern are not defects—they are the signature of the artist’s hand.
Will every piece look exactly the same?
No—and that’s the point.
Each piece follows the same design language, but small variations in:
- brushstroke
- spacing
- color intensity
are part of true hand-painted work. When set on the table, they come together as a cohesive whole.
Where are your ceramics made?
All pieces are made in Deruta, Italy, a region known for centuries of ceramic craftsmanship.
Why are your products priced higher than others I see online?
Because they are fundamentally different.
You are paying for:
- hand-painted production (not printed or stamped)
- small-batch artisan work
- high-quality materials and firing process
Most cheaper alternatives are machine-decorated or transfer-printed.
Care & Durability
Are the dishes dishwasher safe?
Yes, but we recommend hand washing to preserve the finish and vibrancy over time.
Are they microwave safe?
Yes, for normal use.
What is “crazing” and should I be concerned?
Crazing refers to fine hairline lines that can develop in the glaze over time.
- It does not affect safety
- It does not mean the piece is damaged
- It is a natural characteristic of traditional ceramics
Proper care (gentle washing, avoiding rapid temperature changes) helps minimize it.
Are your products food safe?
Yes. All pieces are made using food-safe materials and are tested to meet applicable safety standards.
Ordering & Shipping
When will my order ship?
Orders are processed within a few business days unless otherwise noted (such as preorders).
Shipping times vary based on location and shipping method selected at checkout.
How are the pieces packaged?
We use carefully designed packaging specifically built for fragile ceramics, including:
- structural corner protection
- layered cushioning
- secure internal spacing
Our goal is to ensure your order arrives safely.
What if something arrives broken?
If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with photos of:
- the damaged item
- the packaging
We will make it right.
Returns & Exchanges
Do you accept returns?
Yes. Unused items in original condition may be returned within the return window outlined in our Returns & Refunds policy.
Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item arrived damaged.
Do you offer exchanges?
No. We do not offer exchanges.
If you would like a different item, please place a new order and return the original item (if eligible) according to our return policy.
Why don’t you offer exchanges?
Because each piece is part of limited, hand-painted production.
Handling exchanges increases the risk of damage and inventory mismatch. This policy allows us to maintain quality control and fulfill orders accurately.
What if something arrives damaged?
If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with photos of:
- the damaged item
- the packaging
We will replace or refund the item as appropriate.
Building Your Table
How do I know what to buy?
Our collections are designed as a system.
Start with:
- a place setting (charger, dinner plate, salad plate, bowl)
Then expand with:
- serving pieces
- additional place settings
You can also use our Build Your Table page to guide your setup.
Do all pieces in a collection match?
They are designed to work together, not match identically.
The visual effect comes from layering patterns and forms across the table.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us at info@tavolapiena.com and we’ll help you out.