Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Handmade Porcelain Dinnerware: 12 Q&A’s

People often ask me questions about my work—my process, why I love it, how I decided to work with porcelain, do I work with bone china, etc. Each question reflects curiosity about process, quality, and care, and they are a wonderful way to share the story behind what I create.

Below, I’ve compiled some of the most common questions, along with honest answers.

1. Why is handmade porcelain more expensive than mass-produced dinnerware?

Handmade porcelain takes time, precision, and care. Each piece is designed, shaped, glazed, and fired individually in small batches. Porcelain, which is notoriously difficult to work with, was chosen for quality and longevity. And to be candid, because of its beauty, and I just love to work with it. My process itself involves many steps that machines cannot replicate.

Mass-produced pieces are faster and cheaper to make, but they often lack the subtlety, balance, and durability of handmade work — of high-end work, even when it’s priced at the highest end of the market. When you invest in handmade porcelain, you’re paying for craft, quality, and lasting beauty.

2. Are your pieces dishwasher safe?

Yes—most of my pieces are dishwasher safe. All are primed for daily use. That said, because each piece is handmade, gentle handling prolongs its life. For delicate glazes, thin rims, or decoration, so using a gentle process is ideal.

3. What does “small-batch production” mean?

Small-batch production means creating limited numbers of each design at a time. This allows for careful attention to proportion, weight, and detail. It also ensures consistent quality—every piece is inspected by hand before it leaves the studio. And it makes each piece rare.

Small-batch production is one of the reasons each plate, bowl, or cup feels personal and thoughtfully made.

— To learn more about small batch production and what it means for our clients, read this blog post here.

4. How are your designs inspired by old-world traditions?

My designs draw on forms, motifs, and proportions that have endured for centuries. Old-world inspiration emphasizes balance, utility, and subtle beauty.

I reinterpret these principles for modern life—adjusting designs, curves, rims, and surfaces so pieces feel at home in contemporary kitchens while honoring a lineage of craft. I love to create a balance in my life, home, and products. Beauty is often complex, and the right degree of balance allows for these worlds to come together.

Before I continue, I’d love for you to sign up for our email list below. This is how you’ll know when our website shop is live with new pieces each month.

5. What makes a piece feel “luxurious” without being flashy?

Luxury shouldn’t have to be loud to get attention. In my work, it comes from restraint, clarity of design, and material integrity. A well-weighted plate, a soft curve, a surface that responds to light—these details communicate refinement and comfort quietly.

Luxury, in this sense, is rare — small-batch production also helps with that feeling. In the end, these pieces help create the life you’re living at every meal.

— To learn more about how I define luxury for our customers, visit this blog post here.

6. Can your pieces become heirlooms?

Absolutely. Heirlooms are earned through use, quality, and meaning. A piece that is durable, well-designed, and handled with care can travel through generations, accumulating stories along the way. Handmade work, with my maker's mark and its subtle variations, is considered a work of art and is especially suited to becoming cherished over time.

7. Why do some pieces vary slightly in color or size?

Each piece is handmade, so slight variations are natural. These are not flaws—they are signatures of craft. Variations give each plate or bowl character and individuality, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Rest assured, if you’re buying a set of something (say, mugs), they are all checked for quality control in height, volume, decoration, and feel.

8. How do I style a table using your dinnerware?

Styling a table is about balance; layering vs restraint. Start with a single plate per guest, introduce a linen napkin, and add subtle accents like a small stem of greenery or a candle. Layer textures thoughtfully, but avoid over-clutter. The goal is beauty, invitation, and quiet luxury.

Whether for a romantic everyday meal or a table for one, the table should feel considered, not forced.

9. How long will my handmade pieces last?

With proper care, they can last decades. Porcelain is naturally durable, especially when designed for daily use. Regular handling, gentle washing, and mindful stacking help pieces age gracefully. Over time, minor marks or softening edges contribute to their story—much like a well-loved heirloom.

10. Why does handmade dinnerware matter in a world of mass production?

Handmade dinnerware reconnects us to ritual, intention, and craft. In a culture of disposables, it provides durability, subtle beauty, and personal connection. Small-batch, handmade work celebrates the relationship between object and user, making daily meals more meaningful.

— To learn more about small-batch production, read this blog here.

11. Can I mix and match designs?

Yes - we encourage it! Mixing and matching pieces adds personality and dimension to a table. Because the designs are rooted in proportion and timeless forms, they harmonize easily. Since they’re all designed by the same eye, each piece can create a layered, collected feel without looking chaotic.

12. How do I care for my handmade porcelain?

• Avoid harsh knocks or sudden temperature changes.

• Use a gentle detergent if washing by hand.

• Space plates in the dishwasher to prevent chipping.

• Enjoy their use daily—while not common, any patina adds character and value.

In Closing

Customer questions reveal more than curiosity—they reveal what matters most: durability, craft, experience, and connection. Handmade porcelain is not just dinnerware; it is a way to bring beauty, care, and ritual into daily life. If you have any others you’d like answered, reach out here and I’ll do my best to respond!

Before I go, I want to invite you to sign up for our email list. It’s the only way to learn when our shop is live on the website!