Frequently asked questions
Contact
How can I contact you?
We are on hand to assist you with any question you might have; from detailed product information to care advice. Email info@alexandramanousakis.com or call us at +30 28210 20000, Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00 GMT+2.
Orders
Can I make a custom order?
We do offer commissioned paintings and ceramics. Provide us with desired dimensions and any special requirements and we try to make it happen! Lead time for these items is 10-12 weeks depending on design and dimensions.
Can I order products from previous collections?
Although we always aim to offer you exciting items year round, the majority of our products are produced on a seasonal basis and in limited quantities and therefore availability varies. If an item is in stock, it is available on our e-shop and ready to ship. Some items may be available on back order, contact us directly for the items you are interested in.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You can also choose to pay with PayPal. Moreover, you can make a telephone order and pay via Direct Bank Transfer.
Can I place an order by telephone?
If you would prefer to place an order by telephone, call us at +30 28210 20000, Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00 GMT+2
Ceramics
What materials do you use for the ceramics?
We work mainly with white clay from Greece, red clay from Crete and glazes.
Why are the ceramic objects I ordered slightly different from the images on alexandramanousakis.com?
Since our ceramics are hand thrown and hand painted, items will vary making each one unique. Slight variations may be noted in size, shape and color. Actual colors may differ from what you see on your computer screen due to screen color variation. Different marks, crazing and rough texture is normal and should be expected.
How do I take care of my ceramics?
We recommend hand washing and drying as you would fine china. Crazing and sweating is normal and will decrease over time.
Can I clean ceramic tableware in a dishwasher?
Yes, although we recommend hand washing and drying as you would fine china. If you want to use your automatic dishwasher, we suggest using a fine china cycle, low heat, and a good quality detergent.
Are ceramics microwave safe?
Yes, they are microwave safe. Microwaves can accentuate crazing, a natural effect of glazes. This will reduce over time and with each use.
What does crazing mean?
With time and repeated use clay has a tendency to "craze" (form minuscule lines in the glazing). Crazing is in the nature of clay - it is inevitable yet has no significant effect on ceramics and is only cosmetic. If you want to slow down the process, handle your pieces carefully and temper them when serving very hot foods. Keep in mind if you use a crazed object with dyes or foods with strong colors like beets, staining in the crazed portions may occur. This does not compromise the safety of the item and crazing reduces over time and use.
What does tempering ceramic tableware mean?
Tempering means gently warming your ceramics to avoid thermal shock, which can result in cracking or in excessive glaze crackling (crazing). The best way to temper a piece of ceramic is to put it under hot tap water before serving very hot foods or liquids. You can also put a metal spoon in your ceramic while pouring a hot liquid to deflect the heat.
Can I put my decorative pottery outside?
The colors on our ceramics are permanently glazed; sun fading is not an issue. Depending on how thick the item is, resistance to chips and cracks varies. In extremely cold regions these items should be brought in during winter. A little frost or a blanket of snow is not harmful in any way.
Other
More questions?
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us by email at info@alexandramanousakis.com. If you would prefer to speak to us over the phone or in person, please visit the Contact page for more details.