Hello SNJ, hang on to it though even if you use it as there seems to be a huge interest in Ravenhead at the moment... several of the Ravenhead Flair vases have sold on eBay recently and I sold 4 of mine to one buyer. So by all means use it... I use my vasesand much to the horror of many mebers, even put flowers in them, but look after it and don't chip it... or it will become worth less than £2!!