Frequently Asked Questions
A little guidance on handmade pieces, custom orders, shipping, gifts, and caring for your ceramics.
47 questions
About the ceramics
Are all your pieces handmade?
Yes! I make every ceramic piece by hand in my home studio in West Palm Beach, Florida. From shaping the clay to glazing and firing, each piece is crafted with care.
Will I receive the exact piece shown in the photos?
For a ready-to-ship, individually photographed piece, you’ll receive the item shown in the listing. For made-to-order pieces, the photos show the design you’re ordering. Your piece will be made especially for you and may have slight differences in shape, details, and color.
Why might the shape, details, or color vary slightly?
Each piece is shaped and glazed by hand, so small variations are natural. Lighting and screen settings can also affect how colors appear in photographs. These differences are part of what makes handmade ceramics unique.
Are your ceramic dishes and mugs food safe?
Pieces intended for eating, drinking, cooking, or serving are identified as food safe in their listings. Decorative ceramics have different purposes, so please check the individual product description before using a piece with food.
Are your glazes lead-free?
I use lead-free glazes on my functional ceramics. Please check the individual listing for its materials and intended use, or contact me if you have a question about a particular piece.
Can I put my piece in the dishwasher?
Many of my functional ceramics are dishwasher safe, as noted in their listings. However, I recommend gentle hand washing to help preserve their finish and delicate details over time.
Can I use my piece in the microwave?
Please check the individual listing. Microwave suitability varies by piece, so don’t assume that every ceramic item is microwave safe.
Is my baking dish oven safe, and what is its maximum temperature?
Check your baking dish’s listing for its oven-use instructions and maximum temperature. Many of my baking dishes are listed as oven safe up to 375°F, but always follow the instructions for your particular piece.
How should I care for and clean my ceramics?
For washable functional pieces, use mild soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Handle delicate edges and decorative details carefully. Follow the care instructions in your listing; electrical lighting should be cleaned differently from tableware.
Where can I find the dimensions and capacity?
Measurements and capacity, where applicable, are included in each product description. Please check them before purchasing, as photographs can make a piece appear larger or smaller than it is.
Does the price include one piece or a set?
The listing explains what is included. Some products are sold individually, while others are sets. Styling accessories shown in photographs are included only when the description specifically says so.
Made-to-order & custom pieces
What is the difference between ready-to-ship and made-to-order pieces?
A ready-to-ship piece is already finished and needs to be packed before shipping. A made-to-order piece is created after you place your order, so its processing time includes making, drying, firing, and glazing.
How long does a made-to-order piece take to make?
The estimated processing time is shown on the product page. Many of my made-to-order listings specify 8–10 weeks, but please check your chosen piece for its particular timeline. Shipping transit time begins after the piece is completed and dispatched.
Will I receive updates while my piece is being made?
Yes! I’ll keep you updated about your made-to-order piece and let you know if its estimated timeline changes. You’re also welcome to contact me with questions while you’re waiting.
Do you restock sold-out pieces?
Some designs may return, but availability isn’t guaranteed. If you love a sold-out piece, contact me. Depending on the design and my current workload, I may be able to make a new piece inspired by it.
Can I request a custom piece?
Yes! Use the Custom Orders page to tell me what you have in mind. We’ll discuss what’s possible, pricing, and timing before you place an order.
Can you change the color, size, or details of an already finished piece?
Finished ceramics can’t be changed. However, depending on your request, I may be able to create a new piece with the color, size, or details you’re looking for.
Can I order several matching pieces?
You’re welcome to request multiple pieces of a design. I’ll let you know whether I can make them and discuss pricing and timing with you. Because each piece is handmade, a coordinated set will still have natural variations.
How do I share my ideas or reference photos for a custom order?
Start by describing your idea through the Custom Orders page or email me at mine@mineburgess.com. You can share reference photos as we continue our conversation by email.
How are custom-order pricing and timing confirmed?
After reviewing your idea, I’ll discuss the design, price, and estimated timeline with you before you order. Timing depends on the project and the work already in my studio.
Can you make a piece for a particular date?
Please tell me your preferred date before ordering. I’ll let you know whether the timeline is realistic. Making ceramics takes time, and shipping adds additional time, so a particular arrival date needs to be discussed in advance.
Shipping & delivery
When will my order ship?
Check the processing time on your product page. Ready-to-ship pieces have a shorter processing time, while made-to-order pieces need to be created first. Processing time refers to the time before dispatch, rather than the delivery time.
How long will delivery take after my order ships?
Delivery time depends on your destination and the shipping service selected at checkout. Once your order ships, use the tracking information to follow its progress and see the carrier’s estimated arrival date.
Does expedited shipping shorten the time needed to make my piece?
No. Expedited shipping affects the carrier’s transit time after dispatch. It doesn’t shorten the time needed to make, finish, or prepare your ceramic piece.
How much does shipping cost?
The available shipping options and charges are displayed at checkout before you pay. Costs can vary depending on your destination, the items in your order, and the service you choose.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, I ship to supported international destinations. Enter your delivery address at checkout to see whether shipping is available and which services are offered.
Will I need to pay import duties or customs fees?
International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, or customs fees. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Customs processing may also affect delivery time.
How are fragile ceramics packaged?
I wrap each piece carefully with eco-friendly materials to make sure it arrives safely.
Gifts & combined orders
Can I send my order directly to someone as a gift?
Yes! Enter the recipient’s address as the shipping address at checkout and use your own details for billing. Double-check the recipient’s name and address before placing your order.
Can I include a gift message?
Yes! I’m happy to include a handwritten note for the recipient. Add your message using the gift-message option where available, or contact me with your order number and message before your order ships.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Each piece is carefully wrapped with eco-friendly materials to keep it protected and make it lovely to receive. If your order is a gift, I’m happy to include a handwritten note—just add your message when ordering or contact me before it ships.
Can several pieces ship together?
If you’re ordering several pieces, contact me if you have a preference about shipping them together. Items with different processing times may need separate arrangements.
Help with your order
How can I track my order?
Use the “View your order” link in your order confirmation email to check its status. Once your order ships, you can follow the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email.
How do I contact you about an existing order?
Use the Help with My Order page or email mine@mineburgess.com. Include your order number if you have it and a short description of what you need help with. You can still contact me if you can’t find your order number.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged or I receive the wrong item?
Please contact me as soon as possible. Include your order number and clear photos of the piece and its packaging. Keep the packaging while we review the issue so I can help with the next steps.
What should I do if tracking says “delivered,” but I haven’t received my package?
Check the delivery details, nearby safe locations, and with anyone who might have accepted the package. Contact the carrier and let me know so we can look into the delivery together.
What happens if I miss a delivery or don’t collect my package?
Follow the carrier’s instructions to arrange redelivery or collection before its deadline. If the package is returned to me, contact me so we can discuss the next steps.
Can I change my shipping address after ordering?
Contact me as soon as possible with your order number and the corrected address. I’ll check whether the order can still be updated. Once it has shipped, an address change may no longer be possible.
Changes, cancellations & returns
Can I change or cancel my order?
Please email mine@mineburgess.com or use Help with My Order to request a change or cancellation.
- Ready-to-ship orders: contact me before dispatch to cancel for a full refund.
- Made-to-order and custom orders: contact me within 48 hours of placing your paid order to cancel for a full refund. Your request counts from the time I receive it, even if I reply later.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Eligible U.S. orders may qualify for change-of-mind returns under my return policy. I do not accept voluntary returns or exchanges for orders delivered outside the United States. Contact me before sending anything back. Mandatory consumer rights, including applicable statutory withdrawal rights and remedies for damaged, defective or incorrect items, remain protected.
Can custom or made-to-order pieces be returned?
Custom and personalized pieces are excluded from voluntary change-of-mind returns under my policy. For standard made-to-order designs delivered within the United States, please check the return policy or contact me before purchasing about eligibility. I do not accept voluntary international returns or exchanges. These exclusions do not remove applicable statutory withdrawal rights or remedies for damaged, incorrect or defective pieces.
Who pays for return shipping, and how should I package a return?
Buyers pay return shipping for approved voluntary change-of-mind returns on eligible U.S. orders. I do not accept voluntary international returns or exchanges. Contact me for return instructions and pack the piece securely with sufficient protective materials. For voluntary returns, it must arrive back unused and in perfect original condition; any legally permitted loss-in-value deduction for return-transit damage will be explained. If the original order arrived damaged or incorrect, contact me for the appropriate arrangements. Mandatory legal rights and legally required international returns remain protected.
Ceramic lighting
What is included with my lamp, pendant light, or wall sconce?
Check the individual listing’s “What’s Included” information. Some pieces include electrical fittings, while others are ceramic shades or components only. The included parts vary by design.
Is a bulb included, and which bulb should I use?
Check your lighting listing for bulb inclusion, socket type, and maximum wattage. Many of my listings specify that a bulb isn’t included. Choose a bulb that meets the requirements of your particular fixture.
Does this light require professional installation?
For pendant lights and fixtures requiring electrical installation, I recommend using a qualified professional. Your installer should confirm that the fittings, mounting, and electrical requirements are suitable for your space.
Can I choose a different pendant cord length?
Some pendant listings offer a customizable cord length. Check the product description and contact me with your preferred length before ordering so we can discuss what is available.
Can your lighting be used outdoors or in a bathroom?
Please contact me about the specific fixture before buying it for an outdoor or damp location. Suitability depends on the complete fixture and its electrical components; a ceramic shade alone doesn’t establish that it is suitable for those conditions.
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Still have a question?
I’m happy to help. Contact me or email mine@mineburgess.com.

