The Importance of Treating Your Limoges Boxes With "Kid Gloves"!

French Limoges boxes are made of high-quality porcelain.  They are made in a vast variety of shapes representing almost every subject matter and area of interest.

Porcelain is generally known for its durability.  Porcelain products, such as tableware, decorative items and even porcelain tiles, are made of a special clay mixture and fired in the kiln at very high temperatures resulting in a denser and more durable product than ceramic wares.  However, porcelain items are not damage-proof.   

When it comes to French porcelain Limoges boxes, because of their dainty and intricate designs and shapes, they need special care to make sure they do not get chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged.

Even though French Limoges boxes are mainly considered as art pieces and for display purposes, because they contain either special paintings or accessory pieces inside, you would want to open them to show off their beauty inside as well as outside.  In order to properly handle and care for a Limoges box, there are a few guidelines to consider so your beautiful Limoges art pieces remain in their best possible condition. 

How to Open and Close a Limoges Box

Handling a French Limoges box must be done carefully in order not to damage the piece in any way.  It is important to know how to safely open and close the Limoges box so as to not put any stress on the porcelain or the metalwork.

The best and the safest way to open any Limoges box is to place your thumbnails in the opening of the metalwork (on both sides of the clasp) and gently press.  This motion will click the Limoges box open safely.  It is important to remember that the clasp is not for opening the box, rather it is for securely closing the box.

When opening a Limoges box, there should be no pressure placed on any part of the porcelain.  Doing so creates a chance to crack the porcelain, especially if the porcelain section is slim or narrow.

The metalwork should also be treated gently and not opened beyond its natural opening degree.  Pressing hard on the metalwork to open it further than it normally opens can crack the porcelain and/or break off the hinge.

For more detailed instructions on opening and closing a French Limoges box, see How to Safely Open a Limoges Box.

How to Safely Display Limoges Boxes

Your collectible Limoges boxes should be displayed in areas that are safe, so there is no chance for the piece to get knocked over or dropped.  For Limoges boxes that are tall or a shape that could easily fall over, it is recommended that you use an adhesive putty so that the piece does not move when displayed.

Of course, you would want to display and showcase your collectible Limoges boxes where they can be easily visible and enjoyed.  There are many places in your home that would be appropriate for exhibiting your Limoges boxes.  The No. 1 choice for displaying collectibles is a curio cabinet or glass vitrine.  There are also many other places around your home that would be safe for displaying and showcasing your Limoges boxes such as a fireplace mantel, piano top, side tables, bookshelves, etc.

Following common sense guidelines on where and how to display your Limoges boxes will ensure their safety so that they can be enjoyed for all time.

For more tips and ideas on displaying your collectible Limoges boxes, see How to Best Display Your Limoges Boxes.

How to Clean Limoges Boxes

Cleaning your Limoges boxes can be simple and easy.  However, you need to be very careful not to damage or scratch the Limoges box or any of its protruding segments as you clean.

The best way to clean your Limoges boxes is to wipe their surfaces with a soft damp cloth (or soft tissue).  You can clean the corners and crevices with a damp cotton swab.  You should not use any cleaners or chemicals as they can damage  or scratch the paint, especially the gold and/or chrome painted areas.

When cleaning your Limoges boxes, make sure not to apply any pressure as you may dislodge any of the accessories that are adhered to the Limoges box.

For more detailed instructions on cleaning your French Limoges boxes see How to Clean a French Porcelain Limoges Box?

Knowing how to best care for your collectible French Limoges boxes allows you to enjoy their beauty for all time.  These exquisite miniature masterpieces bring much enjoyment and pleasure to you as a collector and to the visitors to your home.

At LimogesCollector.com, we not only provide excellent informative blogs to cover all aspects of collecting French Limoges boxes, as direct importers, we offer a vast selection of fine French Limoges boxes for you to add to your collection.  Our fantastic selection of authentic French Limoges boxes is in numerous styles and themes for every area of interest.  So, you are sure to find exactly the piece you want and so much more!

Now, take a few moments and browse our selection of authentic French Limoges boxes to see which ones tug at your heart.