Product Information:
Frequently Asked Questions about Ceramics
How
to Preserve the Beauty of Italian Ceramic Dinnerware.
Characteristics of maiolica and ceramics
With repeated use, ceramic has a tendency to "craze" (forming minuscule lines in the glazing). This crazing is the nature of ceramic, and has no significant effect on the ceramics. To reduce crazing over time, avoid high temperatures.
Because each piece of maiolica and Ceramic is individually crafted, you will notice slight variations in colour and size. All our pieces are handpainted works which will follow the design worked out for the specific shape, but they also are the expression of an individual painter's realization of that pattern. 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.
Computer monitors vary in the way they show colours. We therefore cannot guarantee that images on this website will be exact representations of the original colours.
Will the colours fade?
No, the glazing process holds the colours we use firmly and the high firing-temperature fixes them for ever.
Can plates be hung?
Many of the decorative plates can be hung as wall plates. During the production of the shape they can be provided with small holes or a raised 'piedino' ('small foot') on the back which allows for them to be safely hung. If you intend a shape to be used as a wall plate please make sure to request this when making an order. Once a plate has been painted and fired it is too late to pierce holes.
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Avoid high temperatures
Due to its characteristics, ceramic tableware may be damaged by exposure to extremely hot temperatures, such as boiling water or other liquids. To avoid this, put a small amount of the hot food in the plate or bowl, just enough to cover the bottom. Leave this small amount to heat the plate for a few seconds, then add the rest of the meal into the plate. Do not use in the microwave to cook food. And always place a metal spoon in your teapot, mug, cup or ceramic vessel to deflect some of the heat.
What about putting them in the microwave?
We absolutely discourage the use of our pottery in the microwave or in the conventional oven. The ceramics are not made to be cooked in, but they can be put into the oven just to be warmed.
Can ceramics go into the dishwasher?
Rampini pottery can be washed in the dishwasher. We recommend a gentle program and a non abrasive detergent. The ceramics should be placed far apart to avoid touching each other during the high pressure dish-washing as such impact could chip the items.
Are the ceramics lead free?
All our ceramic table ware is absolutely lead free and regularily tested by the US Food and Drug Administration.
How easy is it to add to a collection in the future?
We keep records of what customers have ordered in the past and the process of adding to an existing order is simple. It often happens that a lunch set grows in to a dinner set or a tea set becomes a breakfast set. We pride ourselves on being able to always satisfy the developing needs of our customers. The only thing we ask of our customer when they contact us to let us know they wish to expand their already existing collection of pottery, is that they send us a good clear photograph of one of the pieces they have, so that we can match the new items as closely as possible to what they already have in their home.
For further information and to order contact@rampiniceramics.com.
Due to the characteristics of monitors the colours in images may vary from the original ceramics pieces.
Copyright © 2009 Rampini Ceramics (all text and images).