The gold on the blue is faded in some areas but mostly intact. I send by Parcel Force 24 hrs or 48hrs depending on customer's requirements You never know how much they will be until you are at the post office weighing them in! They will be bubble wrapped and at least double boxed or treble boxed depending on my feelings of risk at the time and packaging I have at my disposal at the time! These are big heavy pots and they need respect and support if they are to last another 100 yrs, so I don't skimp on packaging.