FAQ

  • How do I place an order?
  • What quantities can I purchase?
  • How long does it take to make and send the product?
  • Do you sell gift vouchers?
  • Can I return or exchange an item?
  • What countries do you ship to?
  • What happens if pieces break in transit?
  • Why is there variation from piece to piece?
  • Does your ware show knife marks?
  • Is it safe to put the product in the freezer?
  • Is the product dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe?

We are here to answer your questions

How do I place an order?

Our online store has our full collection. All purchases are to be made here.

What quantities can I purchase?

All our pottery comes in sets specified in each product. These are mainly in sets of 4.  If you’re looking to purchase a set of 6, please contact us directly at thealchemiststable@gmail.com.

How long does it take to make and send the product?

We hold stock of our pottery available through our online store so that it’s ready to pack and despatch. Allow 3-5 business days for packing and shipping.  At times, we may need to make some parts of your order. We will notify you if this is the case, and then it would take 3 to 5 weeks to complete your order.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes, we do. These are issued electronically by email and each contains a unique reference number. Our gift vouchers are ideal if you’re not sure what to get that special person in your life. 

Can I return or exchange an item?

We will only accept returned items if your pottery arrives damaged or is defective. We are unable to exchange pieces or accept returns in other circumstances, therefore please make your selections carefully as purchases are deemed final.

What countries do you ship to?

Our shipping calculator will only quote for postage to New Zealand addresses. We are able to ship elsewhere, but please contact us directly to receive a shipping quote. 

What happens if pieces break in transit?

If parcels are received damaged or damage is suspected, please either unpack this in the presence of the carrier or sign as ‘packaging damaged, received subject to inspection’ or something similar. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can make contact with the carrier. We’ll either refund you or replace these items free of charge.

Why is there variation from piece to piece?

It’s the nature of hand-crafted pottery that spontaneous variations will exist between pieces. Each piece is individually hand glazed in our NZ studio, and then fired in the kiln. We love the fact that no two pieces are the same and we’d encourage you to embrace the variation as well.

Does your ware show knife marks?

Some matte glazes may be prone to cutlery marking which is usually removable with products like Barkeeper’s Friend Cleanser. Coloured glaze shows scratching more readily and reasonable care should be taken when stacking ware.

Is it safe to put the product in the freezer?

While we don’t make storage vessels, it is safe to put our pottery in the freezer but this item should never go straight into an oven or microwave until it has warmed to room temperature. Our tableware should not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature as this may cause the piece to crack.

Is the product dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe?

Our pottery is safe to use in domestic and commercial dishwashers. It is also safe to use in microwave ovens, but the dishes must not be empty. Our tableware pieces are not intended for use as cooking vessels and should never be exposed to heating from only one side, e.g. hob, BBQ, grill or flame. Please avoid placing cold items in hot dishes and never transfer pieces from the freezer to an oven or microwave. Very hot pieces should not be placed on cold surfaces or into cold water.