What lessons are learned here?

1 Avoid buying displayed pieces if you can. Besides potential for fading, there's all those people handling it while on display.

2. If the store uses flourescent lighting, closely examine the display piece vs. an in-the-box version, if available. (Same is true if pieces are displayed in a store window.)

3. When ordering by phone/mail, ask the dealer if this piece is now or has been on display. If so, ask for the right to return it for a full refund. (Also ask if the piece is damaged or been repaired in any way - if told it is not, then ask for the right to return it if it is found to be damaged.)

4. Avoid flourescent lighting in the room where your Harbour Lights are displayed. It's my understanding that halogen bulbs and incandescent bulbs do not cause fading. YMMV

5. If you can see the sky through a window with your back to the display cabinet(s), then you potentially have a fading situation -- even if the sun doesn't shine directly on the Harbour Lights. Solution? Block the view to the sky with blinds, curtains, etc.

John [who needs to invest in blinds to follow my own advice]