Very nice bowls for a main course. I would like a smaller version for a first course.

I had these bowls on my wishlist last year and my mother ordered them for me just before Christmas 2007. Unfortunately, as everyone has noted, they are poorly packed. One arrived broken and the issue was never resolved.

The bowls are fabulous though, assuming they survive shipping :-)

These bowls are very nice and heavy ceramic. But I was extremely disappointed to receive 2 broken bowls with handles missing - leaves me with 2 bowls to use. From many other reviews it appears broken handles caused by poor manufacturer packaging is the problem. Amazon always packs items well with lots of packing, so I don't fault Amazon. It's a pity they don't contact the manufacturer about these many problems of broken handles and do something to correct the situation. However, perhaps Amazon shipping dept. should check the boxes/bowls before shipping to make sure they are not broke and handles missing from the manufacturer's box. It's obviously a manufacturer problem when they purposely box the bowls with broken off handles and the handles are not in the box. Maybe that's why they discount the price so much, as they are aware people may very well receive broken ones, and feel lucky to get at least a couple bowls intact that can be used.

I've had these for a few months now, and still not a broken one in the bunch. I have used them in the microwave and broiler without any problems. I have even banged them around in the sink when washing dishes, and keep expecting to see one of the handles broken off, but all are still intact. I ordered these along with other items in the collection and the smaller boxes were packaged into a larger box which provided adequate protection during shipping. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I have Amazon Prime and they were shipped in two days, which gave less opportunity for them to be broken during shipping.

At first I thought the handles were too thin and the bowls didn't seem balanced, but I have come to love their feel and design. I proudly show them off to friends and feel like I am treating myself every time I use them...and I now use them daily. For a great french onion soup mix, try Cugino's Gourmet Foods, Ridiculously Delicious Soups, 8 Cup Baked Burgundy French Onion Soup...it's easy and when put in these bowls rivals the flavor, look, and presentation of any restaurant.

I had put off on ordering these because of all the bad reviews due to packaging, but I finally decided to and they arrived in perfect condition. As far as packaging goes, there is a little bit of cardboard around the bowls to cushion them, and they were packed so tightly in the the 2 boxes they came in, there was nowhere for them to go.

The quality of the bowls is great. They are really heavy and sturdy, I got the blue ones and I love the color, it looks just like the picture. I love them!