Porcelaine

A mixture of kaolin, feldspar and quartz fired at over 1 250 °C, vitrified and translucent.

Faïence

Clay earth, fired and covered with an opaque glaze, often decorated by hand.

Grès

Ceramic fired between 1 150 and 1 300 °C, dense and hard-wearing, matt or glazed.

Opale

White opaline glass, very resistant to knocks, often used for institutional tableware.

Cristal

Glass with added lead or barium oxide, more resonant and brighter than glass.

Émail

A vitreous coating applied to ceramic, which gives the colour and makes it watertight.

Décalque

A transfer of a printed decoration, then fired onto the piece.

Filet or ou platine

A fine line applied with a brush and then fired; it will not withstand the microwave or the dishwasher.

Métal argenté

Metal covered with silver (guaranteed value often expressed in grams, e.g. 33 g for 24 pieces).

Premier choix

A piece with no visible defect and with its manufacturer's guarantee, unlike “seconds” or “downgraded” pieces.

Assiette de présentation

A large decorative plate (30-32 cm) placed beneath the dinner plates.

Lave-vaisselle compatible

A piece that withstands the machine cycle without altering the decoration or the metallic line.