All Nambé pieces are everyday art that are designed to be used. To also keep them beautiful for many years, follow these guidelines for their care.

Nambé Alloy
Nambé Crystal
Bone China
Porcelain
Glass
Stainless Steel Flatware
Stoneware
Wood

Nambé Alloy

About Nambé Alloy

As with all Nambé metal pieces, function stands beside beauty in purpose. The proprietary eight-metal aluminum-based alloy has the luster of silver and the solidity of iron. It can be preheated to 500 degrees or chilled in the freezer; this coupled with its superior temperature retention properties makes Nambé Alloy markedly useful for cooking and serving. Nambé Alloy does not contain silver or lead and therefore does not tarnish; it won't chip, crack, or break. Avoid using your Nambé Alloy with acidic foods, and never place it in the microwave or dishwasher. Hand wash your Nambé with mild detergent and water, then dry immediately with a soft clean cloth. An occasional application of Nambé Polish restores any gleam lost to time and use.

Unique Characteristics

• Nambé Alloy retains temperature for extended periods of time, so prior to use, you can chill or warm your Nambé Alloy pieces to hold food at a desired temperature
• This thermal retention property makes Nambé Alloy perfect for cooking in the oven, under the broiler, or on the gas or electric stovetop
• Each Nambé piece goes through a series of shaping, grinding, buffing, and polishing steps; slight imperfections found on Nambé's brilliant finish are characteristic of the sand casting process
• Since Nambé is hand-crafted, no two pieces are exactly alike
• Frequent use will result in a natural patina; many Nambé aficionados appreciate and encourage this patina, however luster can be restored by applying a small amount of Nambé Polish with a soft cloth

A piece of Nambé Alloy is functional art. With frequent use, it will take on a lovely patina (shown left), a feature appreciated by many connoisseurs. With a regular application of Nambé Polish, or with the repolishing services offered by our Nambé craftsmen, your Nambé will retain a like-new finish even after years of service.

Care

• A light coating of vegetable oil applied to preheated or chilled Nambé Alloy for each use will provide a protective barrier for highly acidic foods and help protect the finish
• Use wooden or soft rubber utensils to avoid scratches
• Remove dust and fingerprints with a soft, damp cloth
• Use care when placing heavier Nambé pieces on glass surfaces
• Never put Nambé Alloy pieces in the microwave
• Do not put Nambé Alloy in the dishwasher or leave in standing water for long periods of time
• Do not leave food in your Nambé Alloy for longer than three hours; food left for long periods will result in discoloration
• Citrus fruits, peeled or unpeeled, can cause discoloration; highly acidic or salty foods, such as dairy, mayonnaise, tomatoes, other fruits, and vinegars, can cause discoloration and/or pitting
• For Candleholders: To remove wax from candleholders, place them in the freezer until chilled and remove wax; wash with a soft cloth in hot soap and water to remove any wax that remains and dry with a soft cloth
• For Peppermills: To clean your mill, wipe its body with a soft, damp cloth; do not immerse it in water; and always allow your mill to dry completely after cleaning and before filling

Maintaining Your Nambé Alloy

Nambe Polish Kit

Nambé Polish is a unique formulation of special cleaners that cleans most metal surfaces while polishing and protecting. The Nambe Polish is sold in a kit that includes both gloves and micro-fiber cloth that should be used to buff metal to a high shine after polishing or washing. To remove scratches from your Nambé Alloy: The metal surface should be dry and wiped free of dust or surface dirt prior to application. Apply Nambé Polish sparingly with a soft dry cloth. Rub gently in a back and forth motion until black residue appears, usually after 10 to 15 seconds. Buff lightly with a soft polishing cloth to remove residue. After polishing, thoroughly wash the item with warm soap and water and dry with a soft, dry cloth. Do not serve food on a polished item unless it has been washed and the polish has been completely removed.

Have Nambé Craftsmen Do the Repolishing

If you are unable to restore your Nambé Alloy piece with Nambé Polish, don't despair. We offer a repolish service through which a skilled craftsmen will return your item to like-new condition.

The cost of repolishing is 30% of an item's current retail value with a minimum per piece charge of $35.00, plus a nominal shipping and handling fee. Repolishing typically can be completed within two to four weeks from the date the item is received.

Contact Customer Service at customerservice@nambe.com any time or at 1-800-443-0339 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday to make arrangements. You will be provided with a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number to include with your item.

Please note: The repolishing process will completely remove any engraving. Re-engraving can also be arranged through Customer Service using the contact information noted above.

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Nambé Crystal

About Nambé Crystal

In 1998, we introduced the collection of Nambé full-lead crystal. Each piece is mouth blown and hand cut in the traditional way by the finest glassblowers. Nambé Crystal is safe to use with food and beverages, but should never be subjected to sudden temperature changes. Nambé Crystal requires delicate handling. After use, hand wash items in warm water with a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent spotting.

Care

• Window-cleaning liquid or rubbing alcohol may be used to clean Nambé Crystal
• Do not subject Nambé Crystal to hot water or to abrasive detergents
• Protect crystal from sudden changes in temperature, which may cause pieces to break
• Displaying in sunny windows for extended periods is not recommended
• If a chip is discovered, take your piece to a local crystal shop or crystal engraver for sanding
• For vases: Avoid mineral stains by using distilled water for flower arrangements and change water frequently; remove stains and mineral deposits with a bottle brush using a mixture of one half vinegar and one half water
• For decanters and vases: To remove stains, remove residue using a handful of uncooked rice in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and warm water; for tougher stains, allow pieces to soak in warm water with a denture cleaning tablet
• For candleholders: Candles must not burn within 1 inch of the crystal, as this may result in damage to the candleholder
• For champagne flutes: It is best to empty champagne from your flutes and wash and dry them soon after serving; leaving your champagne flutes unwashed overnight will result in discoloration

Lead levels in the crystal glasses sold by Nambé comply with FDA standards.

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Bone China

Most bone china dinnerware is microwave safe and dishwasher safe. Exceptions are decorative patterns, which should be washed by hand, and patterns decorated with gold, silver, or platinum, which cannot be used in the microwave. Rinse each piece prior to loading it into the dishwasher and avoid overcrowding. Load pieces securely on racks and position them so that they do not come into contact with other items during the cycle. Bone china pieces may also be washed by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponge.

Use

• Do not subject bone china items to severe temperature changes; items should be at room temperature before putting hot foods in them
• Do not use bone china in a conventional oven, under the broiler, or on a burner
• To prevent scratches, make sure pieces do not come into contact with other pieces; paper may be placed between stacks of dinnerware to prevent contact
• To remove marks caused by metal utensils or stains, rub gently using a non-abrasive cleanser and soft sponge

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Glass

Glass items should be washed by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponge. Dry completely with a soft cloth to reduce spotting.

Use

• Do not subject glass items to severe temperature changes
• For Candleholders: To remove wax from candleholders, place them in the freezer until chilled and remove wax; wash with a soft cloth in hot soap and water to remove any wax that remains and dry with a soft cloth

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Porcelain

Most Nambé Porcelain is microwave safe and dishwasher safe. Exceptions are decorated porcelain, which should be washed by hand, and porcelain decorated with gold, silver, or platinum, which cannot be used in the microwave. Rinse each piece prior to loading it into the dishwasher and avoid overcrowding. Load pieces securely on racks and position so that they do not come into contact with other items during the cycle. Porcelain pieces may also be washed by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponge.

Care

• Do not subject Nambé Porcelain items to severe temperature changes; items should be at room temperature before putting hot foods in them
• Do not use porcelain in a conventional oven, under the broiler, or on a burner
• To prevent scratches, make sure pieces do not come into contact with other pieces; paper may be placed between stacks of dinnerware to prevent contact
• To remove marks caused by metal utensils or stains, rub gently using a non-abrasive cleanser and soft sponge

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Stainless Steel Flatware

Nambé's stainless steel flatware is dishwasher safe. Rinse each piece prior to loading it into the dishwasher and avoid overcrowding. These items may also be washed by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponge. Dry each piece promptly.

Care

• Wash your flatware as soon as possible after each use
• Do not leave flatware in standing water for extended periods of time
• Avoid acidic detergents, such as lemon or other citrus dishwashing soaps, as long-term use of these products can dull your flatware's finish
• Keep your flatware away from open flame or sources of extreme heat
• Remove discoloration using a paste of baking soda and water
• Nambé Polish or a stainless steel polish may also be used to polish Nambé flatware
• Use care when using flatware and serving utensils together with Nambé Alloy serving pieces; they can scratch the surfaces
• Do not store your flatware in plastic bags or other wrappings that trap moisture; for safe storage, remove from original packaging and wrap pieces individually in a soft cloth

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Stoneware

Nambé Stoneware is oven safe to 375 degrees, freezer safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe, and can go straight from the freezer to the oven to the table. Rinse each piece prior to loading it into the dishwasher and avoid overcrowding. Load pieces securely on racks and position so that they do not come into contact with other items during the cycle. Stoneware pieces may also be washed by hand using a mild detergent and soft sponge.

Use

• Do not subject stoneware items to severe temperature changes; items should be at room temperature before putting hot foods in them
• When using in the oven, evenly distribute the food or a small amount of liquid on the bottom of the piece
• Always place stoneware pieces in a cold (not preheated) oven
• The oven temperature should not exceed 375 degrees
• Do not use stoneware under the broiler or on a burner
• Do not place stoneware on a damp surface or immerse in water when it is hot
• Use insulated pot holders when handling stoneware that has been heated in the oven or microwave
• To remove marks caused by metal utensils or stains, rub gently using a non-abrasive cleanser and soft sponge

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Wood

Nambé items made with wood may be washed by hand using a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Dry these products immediately with a soft cloth.

Care

• Do not place items made with wood in the dishwasher
• Do not leave wood in standing water for extended periods of time
• Nourish wood surfaces with mineral oil applied with a #0000 grade super fine steel wool or a soft cloth; let stand for one hour, wash away excess with a mild detergent and soft cloth, then dry immediately with a soft cloth

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Neil Cohen

Humor, playfulness and serendipity may on first impression seem incompatible with the serious business of designing products for Nambé. Meet Neil Cohen, who creates some of Nambé's most popular and wondrously beautiful designs in metal, crystal and lighting, and has a ton of fun in the process.

Cohen's forward reaching vision and refined sense of shape, material and workmanship characterize his concepts. His work supplies the kind of spark that engages the human spirit. We have said that Nambé designs are "works of art you can use every day." With their combination of humor and discovery, Cohen's strong, concise designs are just that: meaningful experiences in themselves, apart from their functionality.

Holder of two degrees from Rhode Island School of Design, Cohen has lectured at his alma mater, as well as at Pratt and Parsons School of Design. His work has been recognized for its innovation by the Steelcase/Interiors Design Partnership, featured in The New York Times and New York Magazine and chosen for the AIGA's Objects of Design Award. The Japan Arts Council has exhibited his designs. The prestigious 30 Under 30 exhibition in New York has showcased his work among 30 young designers who are shaping the future.

Our Full Range of Personalization Options

Many of our Nambé Alloy and crystal items can be personalized by contacting us in New Mexico, where our fully equipped customization department is available to assist you in personalizing your Nambé awards and gifts. Additionally, many of our most popular pieces may be personalized online. Just fill out the form and add to your cart!

We are happy to work with you on implementing a variety of personalization options, including:

• One or more lines of text, depending on the item
• Traditional monograms
• Wedding invitations
• Company logos or other original art

Orders for items you wish to have personalized may be placed one of two ways. First, if the item offers online engraving, simply fill out the form on the product detail page and add to cart. You will need to verify your message and choice of font. If you select this method, your item will immediately be sent to the engravers without an email proof.

If you want a more custom design, such as inclusion of a logo, or engraving on an item that does not currently offer the online engraving option, you should contact our personalization experts directly via e-mail at personalization@nambe.com to begin the process. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST Monday through Friday (excludingholidays). We typically are able to respond within one business day. You may also reach us via telephone during office hours at 1-800-443-0339, extension 7241. We prefer that you send information via e-mail, but we also accept faxed requests at 1-505-474-3565.

Font Styles

We offer a choice of seven font styles:


Choose the font that best represents the message you're conveying. For a more elegant occasion, such as a wedding, you may want to choose Script MT Bold or Signet Roundhand. To personalize gifts for colleagues and business associates, you might instead choose something formal, such as Monotype Corsiva for a female business associate and Garamond for a male. For a baby gift, you might try CG Times.

For more information on our personalization services, read About Personalization.