On a scale of 1 to 10, an 8 (above average). I bought the matte black. I think these stoneware dishes have a nice weight to them. They will definitely raise your plating and presentation game (salmon and chimichurri look smashing against the black). For the price, I wish they were more meticulous with the glaze/finishing. But product was manufactured *there*, even though curated in the US, so ;) you may find a dish or bowl with a fingernail nick or an unevenly glazed rim. That said the black helps obscure minor imperfections, which are to be expected with stoneware. I would recommend care if using a steak knife, it will leave a mark with repeated usage, but also to be expected. The packaging was quite assuring. Box came with FRAGILE tape, and the dishes were very well packed and padded into a manageable cube delivered straight to door.