Candace Gift-boxed Mug

I love the shape and size of this mug, as well as the design. However, the gold-colored trim on the handle appears to be metallic, eliminating the mug's use in the microwave. Your website indicates that it is microwave-safe. Can you verify that? This is a deal-breaker for me; therefore, I may want to return/exchange the mug for another, similar Christmas-themed mug. In addition, the box it came in is very attractive, but superfluous. Is there an option of foregoing the box, thereby reducing the price?

Yes, it was hard to choose.

Beautiful mug!