The Price of Quality or the Quality of Price!
Quality lasts. Good design lasts. Pride in workmanship shows and it does last. There clearly is a difference in items that have been mass-produced and items that have been actually touched by a person making the item.
That is not to say, however, that there is no need for mass-produced goods. Of course, we need items that can be inexpensively and quickly made. There is, however, something quite special about finding something of "quality" that can be admired not only by our generation, but also the next generation. Something of great design, made with great care and in the traditions of prior generations but ready for the next generation.
At Tournesol, we search for items of quality - items made with the intention of being used and appreciated for many years. This requires great style, attention to detail and lasting beauty. It may seem to be an impossible dream ....but we are pleased to report that there are still a lot of talented and creative designers and artisans committed to these principles. And that is what we believe to be true value...beauty, function and longevity!
We hope that you look at what we offer, read the history of the makers and have confidence that your purchase will withstand the test of time.
One outstanding example is Old Newbury Crafters. This American company is the direct-descended craft manufacturer of William Moulton (1617-1664) who settled in Hampton, NH in 1638 and is credited with bringing the art of silversmithing to New England. Today some fourteen generations later, the skills and methods of handforging sterling silver are still employed by the craftsmen at Old Newbury Crafters. A machine, simply, cannot match the quality, durability, look and feel of handmade silver. This is quality that endures. Old Newbury Crafters offers a lifetime repair service on its own products.
Of course, Old Newbury Crafters crafters make fabulous complete dinnerware place settings. However, the exquisite serving pieces offer a very affordable opportunity to share a piece of history and true quality workmanship with future generations.
Similarly, the table linens that we offer are made by some of the world's finest makers...Le Jacquard Francais, Garnier Thiebaut and Alexandre Turpault. As for ceramics, since 1500, the world's finest ceramics have been made by the U.Grazia family of Deruta, Italy. In fact, their business, U.Grazia Maioliche, is the 13th oldest family owned business still operating in the world today!
Tournesol offers fine table linens, distinctive dinnerware and gifts for the home from around the world.
