Italian ceramics are precious and can last a very long time with proper care.  Here are some suggestions to preserve your majolica for years to come.

1.  We do not recommend microwaving any Italian Majolica product.  Although microwaving will not break an item, it may "craize" the glaze, causing tiny cracks.

2.  Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids.  Pouring boiling water directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to cracking or breakage.  To avoid this, "temper" the object by placing it at a low temperature in a warming oven for a few minutes.  In the case of the teapot do as the Brits do and warm the pot by simply rinsing the teapot with hot tap water prior to adding the actual boiling water. 

3.  Majoica is dishwasher safe but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution.

4.  Because Majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time.  Check for warning labels before ordering a product as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.