A ceramic vase shaped like a blooming flower with white petals and dark speckles, placed on a beige fabric with eucalyptus branches around it.

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Have questions for the artist? Please fill out the form below with your details.

Please allow 2-3 business days for a response. I look forward to chatting with you!

FAQs

What makes ceramics food-safe?

Food safety depends on the glaze used. Any glaze that has a bumpy, textured, or crackled surface will harbor bacteria and is not safe for food. All glazes used at AL Fine Art & Design are certified non-toxic, lead-free, and cadmium-free. In addition, the glazes selected for dinnerware are labeled “dinnerware safe”, meaning that it can withstand acidic foods without breaking down or leeching into your food. Your health and safety is our highest priority.

Is it safe to use vintage ceramics in my kitchen?

No, back in the day ceramics were glazed with lead, cadmium, and other harmful chemicals. When food items touch the surface, especially anything acidic, the chemicals from the glaze leech into the food. There are many beautiful new ceramic options that are glazed with non-toxic, lead-free, and cadmium-free glazes. At AL Fine Art & Design, I strive to make new beautiful items that are vintage inspired, beautiful, and healthy to use.

Are handmade or machine-made ceramics better?

Handmade ceramics are generally considered better than machine made ceramics. The clay used in handmade ceramics is higher quality and made in smaller batches. All ceramics are fragile, however, after conducting a drop test, we discovered that between a machine-made mug and a handmade mug of the exact same thickness, the handmade mug did significantly better. Handmade items are better in terms of longevity and are more meaningful.

Policies & Care Information

  • Return and Remake Policy for AL Fine Art & Design

    Thank you for supporting my small business! I take great pride in creating unique, handmade pottery pieces. I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so please carefully read the return and remake policy below:

    1. Damaged Items in Transit

    If your pottery item arrives damaged, we are committed to resolving the issue quickly and fairly. Refunds or remakes are only accepted under the following conditions:

    • Eligibility: The damage must be reported within 7 days of receiving the item.

    • Proof of Damage: You must provide clear photo proof of the damage, showing the item and the packaging. This is necessary for us to process the claim and assess the damage.

    • How to Submit: Please send the photos and a brief description of the issue through the contact form located on the website or to LoschiavoAmy@gmail.com

    2. Refunds & Remakes

    • Refunds: If we are unable to offer a suitable remake or replacement for the damaged item, we will issue a full refund to your original method of payment.

    • Remakes: If you'd prefer a replacement, we will gladly remake the item for you (subject to availability) and ship it at no additional cost.

    3. No Returns Accepted

    Please note that we do not accept returns for any reason other than damages incurred during shipping. All sales are final unless the item is damaged in transit and reported within the 7-day window.

    4. Exceptions

    • Items that are not damaged or do not meet the criteria for a remake are not eligible for return or exchange.

    • Since all of our pottery is handmade, there may be slight variations in color, shape, and texture, which should be expected and are not considered damages. We cannot accept returns based on these natural differences.

    5. Shipping Costs

    • Shipping costs for returns or remakes are covered by us in the event of damaged items.

    • Customers are responsible for any additional shipping charges associated with returning the item (if applicable).

    6. Contact Information

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding your purchase, or if you need assistance with a damaged item, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form on the website. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 3 business days.

    Thank you for supporting my handmade pottery, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following our return and remake policy.

  • Handmade art is beautifully unique for a reason. Not one piece is exactly the same as another. When buying handmade art, you will receive an item that has been crafted with love and attention by the hand of the artist, not a machine. There may be slight imperfections or differences in glazing, size, and shape which are all part of the beauty of each piece.

    Dishware:

    Each ceramic item is glazed with non-toxic, food-safe, cadmium-free, and lead-free glazes. They are cone fired to cone 5 for durability and safety. These pieces are microwave safe. Even those these items are technically dishwasher safe, handwashing may extend the longevity of the item. Glazes used by AL Fine Art & Design are tested and approved by the distributors (Laguna Clay Company, Amaco, Mayco) and labeled as not just food safe, but dinnerware safe. If a glaze used is not dinnerware safe, the item will be labeled as “decorative - not food-safe”. This information can be found in the product description.

    Earrings:

    All earrings are hand crafted with the same level of care and consideration as the dishware. Each ceramic item is glazed with non-toxic and food-safe glazes, cadmium-free and lead-free. They are cone fired to cone 5 for durability. The ceramic pendants can withstand normal washing with water and soap.

    Sterling silver ear-wire: Store in an enclosed, dry place. Wash with mild soap and a soft brush and wipe with a soft cloth if needed. It is best to remove earrings before showering or swimming. Wear often, the natural oils from your skin can prevent tarnishing.

    Gold plated ear-wire: Avoid contact with moisture, chemicals (perfume, lotions, sunscreen), and sweat to prevent tarnishing. Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth or warm, mild soapy water, and store each piece in a dry place.

  • Every piece is carefully prepared and packaged to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully.

    Processing Times:

    Orders are typically processed and shipped within 3–5 business days after purchase. Please note business days do not include weekends or holidays. During collection launches, holidays, or periods of high order volume, processing times may be slightly extended. Custom, made-to-order, or personalized items may require additional processing time.

    Once your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information.

    Shipping Rates:

    We currently offer flat-rate shipping on all domestic orders within the United States. Shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout before payment is completed.

    Delivery Estimates:

    Estimated delivery times vary depending on the shipping carrier and destination. Once shipped, most domestic orders arrive within: 2–7 business days. Please note that delivery timelines are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

    Shipping Carriers:

    Orders may be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on package size, weight, and destination.

    Incorrect Shipping Addresses:

    Please ensure your shipping address is correct before placing your order. AL Fine Art & Design is not responsible for orders shipped to incorrectly entered addresses. If a package is returned due to an address issue, additional shipping fees may apply to reship the order.

    Lost, Delayed, or Stolen Packages:

    Once an order has been handed to the shipping carrier, we are not responsible for shipping delays, lost packages, or stolen deliveries. If your package appears lost or delayed, please contact the shipping carrier directly using your tracking number. If you need assistance, you may also contact us and we will do our best to help. For stolen packages marked as “Delivered,” customers should file a claim directly with the shipping carrier.

    Damaged Items:

    We take great care in packaging every order. However, if your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damaged item and photos of the packaging. We will review the issue and work toward a resolution as quickly as possible.

    International Shipping:

    At this time, we currently ship within the United States only. If international shipping becomes available in the future, this policy will be updated accordingly.

    Order Changes & Cancellations:

    If you need to make changes to your order, please contact us as soon as possible. Once an order has been shipped, we are unable to modify or cancel it.

    Contact:

    For any shipping questions, please fill out the contact form above.