FAQs
Yes, as you will see throughout our site, we source our handmade Italian ceramics from some of the finest artisans throughout Italy. Each piece is made and painted by hand, and meet Villaggio's high standards for excellence in design and function.
All of our dinner, kitchen and serving pieces are safe and comply fully with FDA regulatory standards.
Yes, but if you live in a cold climate we recommend that you bring it inside during the winter. Extreme temperature variations may cause the glaze to crack.
While we usually recommend hand washing for our one-of-a-kind fine Italian ceramics, you can put them in the dishwasher if you use a gentle cycle with low heat. You should also be sure that your ceramic pieces are not touching any other items in the dishwasher before you run the cycle.
High temperatures can damage handmade Italian ceramics, so we do not recommend using them in the oven or microwave for cooking or reheating food.
All Villaggio dinnerware, serveware and kitchenware is guaranteed to be 100% food safe in compliance with FDA standards and U.S.A. import regulations for lead and cadmium.
Decoration objects, keepsakes and tables are not meant to have contact with food, unless otherwise specified.
All our pottery is dishwasher safe. We recommend using a gentle cycle with low heat and placing the plates or ceramic accessories so they don't touch each other during the dishwashing cycle.
Our Dinnerware and Serveware is not meant to be used for cooking or re-heating.
Proper care and handling will help your Italian ceramics pieces retain their beauty and function for decades. Here are some tips:
- Temper dishes and serving pieces with hot water before serving hot foods or liquids to avoid possible cracking due to an abrupt change in temperature. Crazing - the formation of miniscule lines in the glaze - has no significant effects on the ceramics; it is mainly cosmetic.
- Never place a piece directly on top of a burner.
- Never place large platters or trays made of clay into the oven. These large flat surfaces are difficult to heat evenly and cracking could result.
- Never use abrasive pads or powders as they will damage the glaze. For easy cleaning, fill your sink with warm soapy water and let the piece soak for awhile before removing any leftover food with a soft sponge.
Generally, you should handle your Italian ceramics as you would any fine china. The glazes on each piece protect our ceramics from normal use; however, we recommend that you do not cut directly on the piece with a sharp knife, which may scratch the glaze.
Differences in color can be attributed to how images are displayed on individual computers. In addition, because every single item we sell is made by hand, each one is unique... which is what we think makes it fantastic!
