I'm very pleased with these dishes.  I ordered two sets.  Both arrived very well packaged, with all pieces completely in tact and unbroken.  I was searching for a stoneware set that was light, but not stark white.  My daughter said these remind her of an eggshell.  Kind of a warm white with a dark fleck.  They are a bit imperfectly shaped, giving the appearance of hand thrown pottery.  Very pretty, and sturdy.  Yes, they get hot in the microwave.  I've never had a dish that doesn't but it seems to be a frequently asked question.  I particularly love that this set comes with a generously sized cereal bowl and a pasta/salad bowl, rather than a bunch of mugs that I will not use.  They stack nicely and would look great on open shelving.