Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Majolica?
To read a short introduction as to how our Italian majolica items are made, please click here for a journey through the art of ceramic production. A piece is only labeled "majolica" when it is made following a certain technique and using specific clays and glazes. The designs or the appearance don't necessarily identify a piece as a "majolica" piece.

Q: Can I put these items outside?
A: The colors are permanently glazed on, so sun fading is not an issue.
Depending on the workshop, there is a different thickness of the clay and therefore a different resistance to chips and cracks. In extremely cold regions (i.e.: below 0s Fahrenheit) these items should be brought in during winter. A little frost or a blanket of snow is not harmful in any way.

Q: What about using the dishwasher?
A: At a cold or cool drying cycle, everything is dishwasher safe, please note that we always recommend hand washing and drying as you would a fine china.
If you expose the product daily to very high temperatures, you could have a "crazing" on the surface. Crazing is an aging process, but it should take place after 50 years or more..... You don't want to speed it up too much.
We do not recommend any of our products to be used in a microwave
the truth is: if it is majolica and it should be treated in a cautious manor.

Q: Is it everything safe for food use?
A: All the dinnerware items are FDA tested and exceed all rules and regulations for lead and cadmium content. Some items are for decorative use only and all of our products are clearly labeled to reflect this.

Q: Is everything handmade?
All of Higuera Imports items are produced in the traditional way; every piece is hand thrown or hand molded, as well as handpainted. The price will change with the design, not only because some designs are more time consuming and paint intensive. Often the more difficult design will require the use of a significantly more skilled artist, and the use of more costly paints. Please click here a journey through the art of ceramic production for the full explanation. Our items are in production from start to finish anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the items complexity.

Q: Why are your prices so much lower than other stores?
one of the main goals of Higuera imports is to keep the products costs as low as possible, we only import DIRECTLY from the artists to avoid the usual trail of costs between the artists and the buyers, at Higuera Imports we also keep the cost down by doing massive ordering from many different artists so that we may have large inventory's in stock for our customers as well as being able to negotiate substantially lower original purchasing costs. We also will only buy in full container loads, and often our shipments are bought 6 to 8 months in advance to be able to offer IMMEDIATE delivery on most of our items. We try to maintain minimal mark-ups and we are often lower then any other retailer stores and catalogues. If you do have an interested in an item and notice our prices are higher, please notify us and we will do our best to match or beat any other pricing on a comparable item. Our goal is to offer you the lowest priced and finest quality available.

Q: Do you ever have sales?
A: Yes, We often will have website sales or specials, as well as an occasional store sale on items we are able to negotiate lower pricing on Please sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest specials, and also please check our web special tab from time to time as we constantly rotate specials.

Billing and ordering questions

Q: How should I order?
A: For items please proceed to the PRODUCTS sections, just use the shopping cart feature. If you want to customize your order, choose shapes or designs which you may not be able to find in our sections, please call our toll free number 1-888-300-2059 and our sales staff can help you. If you would like a larger picture or something sent by e-mail, we will always try to accommodate all requests.

Q: What if I order something not in stock?
Do to the uniqueness of our product lines, we are often limited to the quantity's which can be produced in a given time, as well as the quantity which we may have stock. Although Higuera Imports is known for keeping a large inventory and having continual container shipments during year of these prized and beautiful items, you may on occasion find items that are featured on our website that are not listed or listed as "out of stock". We would always like to encourage our customers to please inform our staff as to what your desires are, so that we may submit your order to our artists. Higuera Imports on every occasion possible will order your item for you, we will charge you at the time the order is placed so the item is reserved solely for you when it arrives. Please feel free to contact us to make any requests, we will investigate the request and respond back to you as soon as we can to inform you of the time and any other issues which may be involved. We have no problem with the smallest request and will work to satisfy you if possible.

Q: What is your return policy?
Returns are gladly accepted within 30 days of the original purchase with the original receipt or a gift receipt, as long as the item has not been used or damaged. Gifts may be exchanged for store credit only. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.

If you have purchased any product from Higuera Imports that has not fully met your expectations, we are always pleased to a) process an exchange for other merchandise or b) issue a store credit that can be used at anytime. Unfortunately, we are unable to issue a refund if it has been over 30 days from original purchase, w can only offer store credit.
Return shipping expenses are the responsibility of the customer or gift recipient if the item is not defective. Please only use your original packaging when returning, as Higuera Imports is not responsible for returned items that arrive broken. We highly recommend that you insure your shipment for the full value on all returned merchandise.

Q: How long before I receive my order?
Your order will be shipped within three business days or we will advise you if there are circumstances that will delay us from completing this obligation. We ship insured via UPS or FED EX ground and we can also ship overseas. You will receive an e-mail with the approx delivery time depending on your location.
Our customers are our greatest priority at Higuera Imports. Our courteous staff is available for your every need. Please contact us by e-mail at contact us or phone us 1-888-300-2059 if you prefer

Q: What if the goods arrive broken?
PLEASE NOTE ALL DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY, AND REPORT IT TO Higuera Imports immediately... If you are returning merchandise that was received damaged, you must notify Higuera Imports within 5 days of receiving your damaged items so that a claim may be filed with UPS.

ALWAYS PLEASE SIGN THE RECEIPT "SUBJECT TO INSPECTION FOR CONCEALED DAMAGE".

Higuera Imports will first try to repair or replace the damaged merchandise. If that is not possible due to lack of stock, an appropriate refund or adjustment can be made.
All the shipments are insured,

Q: Is the shopping cart system secure?
A: Yes. Our shopping cart system is internally hosted and secure. All the information that you will enter is secure and will be reviewed by us before any charge is made to your account.
Our goal is to offer the most comprehensive FAQ page, we are sure that some of you will not find the answer to their very own question. In that case, please contact us via email or please call us to ask or make suggestion 1-888-300-2059