FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW ARE CARTHAGE.CO'S STONEWARE PRODUCED?
Our stoneware was sourced by our co-founder Paul, after having lived in Tunisia for several years. All our products are made in a factory near Nabeul, Tunisia, where craftsmen have been making ceramic plates and dishes for more than 3,000 years. These skills are passed down in the families living in this region and our products are made largely by hand by more than 100 highly-skilled craftspeople.
Machines are molds form the shape of our products, but from that point they are hand finished and glazed before being baked at 1,400 degrees celsius - a temperature which causes the glaze to bond with the clay into what is called stoneware. This hand-finishing, combined with the high temperature of the ovens, leads to the slight variations in the final glazes you see in your products. We take pride in our products and hope you will share our opinion too.
WHY DOES MY BASALT (BLACK MATTE) STONEWARE LOOK CRACKLED WHEN WET?
Our basalt products use a special glaze that looks crackled, when wet. This is normal - as it is characteristic of the unique finish. Unless you see actual cracks in your product, there is no defect.
WHY DOES MY PRODUCT LOOK DIFFER FROM THE PRODUCT PHOTO?
Because of the individualized attention each product receives, we can not guarantee that every product will look identical to our photos. Each piece of stoneware that we sell is hand-glazed and fired. As a result, there are natural differences in each stoneware. However, if you have received the wrong product then please contact info@carthage.co to be issued a new order.
WHO ARE YOUR WORKERS AND HOW ARE THEY PAID?
The 100 and more craftspeople that help produce our exquisite stoneware are all fairly paid and unionized Tunisian locals.
WHY DOES SOME OF MY STONEWARE HAVE 'HAMILA' STAMPED ON THE BOTTOM?
We're proud to partner with a local Tunisian manufacturer to provide our American consumers with products that bring the beauty and elegance characteristic of North Africa. We believe in sustainable production and believe in empowering the local communities and businesses that are already doing amazing things. All the workers and executives that work for Hamila are Tunisian locals. We partner with them, side-by-side, to bring you our products.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW STONEWARE?
Your new stoneware is an artisan hand-glazed, individually kiln-fired product imported from Tunisia. Because of the nature of its specialized production, your new products will require some extra care.
Do not stack matte products on top of each other as the foot ring of one product may scratch the surface of the other. To hand wash, use a soft sponge or washcloth to remove debris from your products. Do not use steel scrubbers on your stoneware. Do not use metal cooking utensils as they may scratch the glaze. All our products are dishwasher and microwave safe.
MY PRODUCT ARRIVED ARRIVED BROKEN.
If your product has arrived chipped or broken, contact info@carthage.co right away to be issued a new product.
I RECEIVED THE WRONG PRODUCT / PART OF MY ORDER IS MISSING.
In the rare chance something has gone wrong with your order please fill out the form on this page or contact info@carthage.co and we'll issue a new order immediately!
YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS TO US.
Is your question still not answered? Use the form below & a team member will be in touch shortly!