For how long will my tableware pattern be made?
Ideally a pattern will be strong seller for many years. Like all manufacturers we have to review the sales of our patterns on a regular basis. By doing this we can make room for new patterns to match changing market trends and maintain freshness. To ensure customers are notified of a pending pattern discontinuations, they are encouraged to join our customer database.
What can a customer do if their pattern has been discontinued?
It is important to note that not all products that are discontinued in Australia are discontinued internationally. Some patterns may be available easily on an overseas order which may take up to 12 months to fill, depending on stock availability. It a pattern has been discontinued internationally there may still be some stock left at the factory. Please ensure you check with the Customer Service department if you are unsure whether a pattern is available on overseas order.
Does less work go into making plain white china?
No! It is very difficult to make pure white china ceramics that are absolutely free from marks. It requires the finest quality bone china and great expertise in production to produce the white translucent chinaware.
What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is caused during manufacturing by under firing in the kiln which leaves the item slightly porous. The “stress” within an item cannot be detected by the human eye and for all intents and purposes the item looks and sounds good.
Items can be used daily and show no sign of deterioration but can then suddenly crack due to moisture penetrating the body. In plates this is usually the inner shoulder and wedge shaped cracks appear, literally almost pulling the plate apart but the plate is still whole. The cracks are clean, usually rounded. The factory is now able to test to greatly reduce the occurrence of stress fractures.
What is crazing?
Crazing is a network of surface cracks on the glaze of pottery or porcelain, usually the result of an uneven rate or shrinkage between the glaze and body during the cooling stage. Chinese potters used controlled crazing as decoration on some of the finest wares.
What constitutes a flaw in crystal?
Frequently, we attempt to explain the facts of crystal craftsmanship to customers seeking flawless perfection in the merchandise they buy. In reality, such perfection can be achieved only in assembly line products. Of course, this is not possible or even desirable in quality ware whose manufacture depends so much on the skill and artistry of individual craftsmen. Slight variations in crystal ware pieces are actually confirmation of fine crafting.
Are bubbles or seeds fault in the glass?
No, these are characteristics of handmade glass. Gases form the bubble when chemicals are united in the fusing or melting of the raw ingredients. As long as they are not on the rim or broken through the surface, they do not affect the quality or the beauty of the glass.
Are lines in crystal a flaw?
A line or “cord” is an almost invisible difference in density in the glass, which occurs during the fusing of the molten crystal. It is the natural outcome of the hand making process and is not considered a flaw. Although it is visible when the glass is empty because it refracts the light, once the glass is filled the light is refracted at a different angle and it becomes invisible.
Does Fiskars ever sell substandard items?
In Australia, we do not sell items classed as seconds. If an item that is substandard is found at the factory it is destroyed.
How can I unstick a decanter stopper?
Run water that is comfortably warm to your hands on the neck and top of the decanter, or pour warm vegetable oil around the stopper to loosen it. You can avoid the problem by wiping the neck of the decanter with a soft cloth before replacing the stopper. Note, each stopper is individually finished to suit the decanter.
Can I store my spirits in a decanter?
Decanters are not storage vessels, they are intended for ‘decanting’ only, in preparation of serving. Over time alcohol stored in a crystal decanter will strip the crystal surface, resulting in the crystal appearing ‘cloudy’.
How can I remove stains from a decanter or a vase?
Swirl a handful of uncooked rice in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and warm water to remove residue inside a decanter or vase. For tougher stains, try warm water with a denture-cleaning tablet, allowing it to soak.
Can chipped crystal be repaired?
Sometimes it is possible to repair chipped crystal, though the quality of the repair depends largely on the capabilities of the shop. Contact the WWWRD Customer Service Department on 1300 852 022 for contact details.
Can I store salt in my silver salt shaker?
No, salt stored in silver shakers will result in tarnishing and corrosion.
Can I engrave my silver plated product?
We do not recommend engraving onto our silver plated products.