Questions & Answers

Is every piece really one of one?

Yes — as a consequence of physics, not marketing. The crystals grow in the glaze while the kiln cools from 1290 degrees, and no pattern ever repeats. Two pieces in the same glaze are still not the same. When a piece is sold, there will never be another like it.

Is the piece in the photos the piece I receive?

Yes. Every listing photographs the exact object that ships. Screen colour and light can shift slightly; the crystals do not.

Where does the work come from?

One studio in Zelmeņi, Latvia. One kiln, one man. Arnis Preiss has worked in clay since 1976 — the story is on the About Arnis page.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Europe, USA and Canada regularly, elsewhere on request. Every piece is packed in double-wall corrugated board and insured. Customs duties in your country, if any, are yours.

What if it arrives broken?

Photograph the box and the damage and email preissarnis@gmail.com within 48 hours. A replacement is impossible — there is only one of each piece — so you receive a full refund, including shipping.

Can I return a piece?

Yes — 14 days from delivery, no reason needed. You pay the return shipping and the piece must arrive back intact. Details in the Refund Policy.

Are the pieces food-safe? Can they go in the dishwasher?

The work is high-fired stoneware at 1290 degrees — hard and durable. Hand-washing is recommended: crystalline glazes deserve better than a dishwasher, and the pieces are irreplaceable.

Do you take commissions?

Sometimes. Colour and form can be requested; the crystals cannot — they do what temperature and time decide. Write to preissarnis@gmail.com with what you have in mind.

Can I visit the studio?

Yes, year-round, by prior booking — €8 per person, tasting included, about 20–30 minutes. The visit covers both the ceramics studio and the apiaries. Book a visit.

Where can I buy the honey?

In the shop — honey ships alongside the ceramics and beeswax candles. Zelmeņi honey is also carried by major Latvian retailers, and sold in person at Zelmeņi — including at the end of a visit. Details on the Honey page.