pennywiseprimitives

We are constantly scouring estate sales, auctions, antique stores, and anywhere else we're able to find the pieces you need. A small portion of our inventory comes to us directly from anyone interested in selling to us.

Line the bottom of your sink with a dish towel or rubber mat (this will provide protection). Fill the sink with tepid to warm water. Add a mild detergent (no lemon scented detergents or products containing bleach! They contain acid that is harmful to china surfaces & finishes). Wash one dish at a time, & swing the spout away from the wash area (to prevent chipping or scratching). Do not use abrasive pads or steel wool to remove debris.

Remember that china is made to use. Long-term storage in areas where temperature & humidity is not controlled can have adverse effects on the glaze of china pieces causing the glaze to become brittle & possibly crack.

Heat - China, both casual and formal, should be kept away from exposure to extreme heat, including open flames or naked stove-top burners, unless otherwise marked.

Trim - Tableware with metallic trims should never be used in the microwave, this includes both gold or platinum trims. To remove tarnish from platinum trim, gently use silver cleaner, and then wash the item before using. Be careful not rub too hard as the trim can be rubbed off.

The best way to enjoy your fine china is to use it regularly!

When stacking china for storage, place a cushioned layer between each piece for protection.

Use china cushions or place a piece of flannel, felt, a coffee filter, or a napkin between the pieces. Always lift items off a stack, don't slide them, since this can cause scratching.

Stack cups no more than two high, or hang mugs separately on a rack, but only if they're not antique & have not had their handles repaired. Stacking cups can weaken the rim, and cause cracking or chipping. Cups, bowls and mugs should be stored rim side up, to prevent chipping of this most fragile area

Avoid stacking pieces that have handles if possible. Be careful when storing china items with lids, since these can slide off and fall, especially on high shelves.

Display your fancy decorative plates on your wall using plate hangers or shelves. When you display plates upright on shelves you want to make sure they don't fall over and break. Whether you are putting them up directly on the back of the shelf or you are using plate easels, an extra step of using a dab of museum putty to secure the plate to the shelf or easel, will keep it from falling over easily.

When displaying in a china cabinet, be sure you aren't crowding dishes against one another as this can cause the rims to get chipped.

Take care of your antique treasures. Whether they've cost you a small fortune or handed down to you by a thoughtful family member, it's good to keep your dinnerware & serving pieces in top form. I love setting a nice table with a mix of old & new.

Do not put any antique china in the microwave or dishwasher.

Before using, run the plates & serving pieces under warm water in your sink, then dry them off right before using them for hot food or you risk cracking them from the sudden heat of the food. Do not be tempted to warm them by placing in an oven or a dishwasher, the heat from both of these sources may be too hot for your delicate pieces.

Immediately after using, soak your dishes in warm, soapy water, and gently hand wash.

Yes, as a courtesy to my buyers, I will do so as long as I feel it is safe to ship multiple items in one box. Large orders may result in several boxes for safety. It is my policy to refund customers any shipping overages that can occur.

Prices in my shop are firm to protect my investments, but I usually offer special monthly sales to help customers save and I try to combine multiple purchases to help save customers even more money on shipping costs.

No. In the rare possibility that a case is opened, and etsy favors the buyer, I expect to receive the merchandise back in the same condition it was sent in. Buyer must use the same packing materials and boxes and send the merchandise back to me within 14 days of the closing of the case. I will furnish return labels to facilitate the return process.

Yes, if you are located within the tri-state area of New Jersey, northeastern or southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware (even some parts of northeastern Maryland), I am willing to purchase your items. Please send me a message thru etsy messages and send me photos and reasonable prices so I can see you what you have. Please note that I am not looking for damaged items.