What material does Dong Gia use to make dinnerware?
Dong Gia has used stoneware and porcelain in our history. Our current dinnerware patterns are made primarily of stoneware.

What is the difference between our porcelain, stoneware?
Porcelain is made from highly refined white clay and can be fired at over 1300°C. It is often translucent and non-porous. Porcelain tends to be thicker and heavier than stoneware with a more delicate appearance.
Stoneware is a hard, durable ceramic made of light coloured clay typically fired at over 1300°C. It is opaque and porous. Stoneware dinnerware tends to be thinner and lighter than porcelain. It can be glazed in a wide variety of colours and finishes (matte, satin, and glossy) for diverse designs.

What is Reactive Glaze?
Reactive Glaze is a glazing technique used on Stoneware or Porcelain to create unique colours and pattern variation. Once the Glaze is applied, it undergoes a reaction under extreme temperatures during the firing process. The results are beautiful multi-tonal colours and patterns like our ever-popular Painted Poppies and Rustic Leaves dinnerware. The nature and hand-crafted qualities of this type of glaze, ensures that no two pieces will be exactly alike.

What is the best way to warm and bake foods in my stoneware/earthenware?
Dong Gia dinnerware is microwave and dishwasher safe. We suggest the following when baking in your dinnerware:
1. Do not subject your stoneware or porcelain to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Start your microwave no higher than 100°C for the first 10 minutes, then increase to desired temperature.
2. Do not place hot dishes on a wet surface or handle with a wet cloth. The hot dish may break when touching the colder water.
3. Do not place stoneware or porcelain on direct heat, in the broiler, or under a microwave browning element.
4. Always use a padded mitt when removing from microwave.
5. When warming in microwave, use the stoneware piece that best fits the portion size. This way, all items will heat evenly and not cause "hot spots" in your stoneware that could lead to crazing and cracking.
6. Earthenware can become extremely hot when used in the microwave. Use of potholders or padded mitts is recommended.

What is the best way to warm and bake foods in my porcelain?
Dong Gia porcelain is microwave, conventional oven, freezer and dishwasher safe. We suggest the following when baking in your porcelain:
1. Do not subject your porcelain to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Start your oven no higher than 225°F for the first 10 minutes, then increase to a temperature no higher than 350 degrees.
2. Do not place hot dishes on a wet surface or handle with a wet cloth. The hot dish may break when touching the colder water.
3. Do not place porcelain on direct heat, in the broiler, or under a microwave browning element.
4. Always use a padded mitt when removing from oven or microwave.
5. When warming in microwave, use the porcelain piece that best fits the portion size. This way, all items will heat evenly and not cause "hot spots" in your piece that could lead to crazing and cracking.

What accessories can I get in my pattern?
A variety of accessories is available in most Dong Gia patterns. Accessories range from basic (sugar & creamer, salt & pepper, vegetable bowl, etc.) to unique (corn dishes, ice cream dishes), chopsticks holders and spoons.

Are Dong Gia products dishwasher and microwave safe?
Dong Gia dinnerware is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.
They can become extremely hot when used in the microwave. Use of potholders or padded mitts is recommended.
Never use any dinnerware with metal trim in the microwave.
Please read the use and care instructions for all ceramic products carefully.

Why do I see grey lines on my dishes?
Some stoneware owners notice grey marks or "scratches" which called utensil marks on their dinnerware. This is not a defect. These marks can occur when metal utensils come into contact with the hard glazes typically used by most stoneware manufacturers.
The glazes look and feel very smooth; however, the surface is composed of microscopic peaks and valleys. When metal utensils, which are often softer than the glaze, contact the dinnerware, tiny metal particles become caught in the microscopic valleys.
Though some users characterise the grey marks as scratches, usually there is no damage to the glaze or the body. The metal deposits can be removed with a variety of cleansers. 
Dong Gia recommends Bar keepers friend cleanser specifically to remove metal marks from ceramic products. The combination of chemical action and a mild abrasive in the cleaner easily removes the metal particles from the glaze. 

Are my dishes safe?
Dong Gia stands behind the safety and quality of all of its products. All of our products are tested by accredited, independent laboratories and meet or exceed all federal standards relating to lead and other contaminants.