Silver Tray, 925 Sterling Silver, Signature, Round — approx. 46 cm, Lily Rim

Four lilies on the axes of the round, with dense vine and grape motifs in between. The central surface is not perfectly round, but cut in a slight oval—a subtlety that one only notices at second glance and which prevents the area from appearing static.

At a glance

• Large round serving tray in 925 sterling silver
• Diameter approx. 46 cm — silver weight approx. 2.16 kg
• Four three-dimensional lily motifs on the axes
• Dense vine and grape motifs between the lilies
• Wavy outer contour, smooth oval center
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948

The lily

Four lilies sit on the axes—top, bottom, left, right. They are crafted in higher relief than the rest of the ornament and form the focal points for the eye. A dense network of vines and grape clusters runs between them.

The lily is one of the oldest ornamental motifs in Europe. In the Italian Renaissance, it stood for purity and became the city emblem of Florence; it has been a staple of silverware since the 16th century. The combination with grape motifs—wine, harvest, hospitality—makes this tray a piece that refers to the table both in content and form.

The work is chased by hand: driven into the silver with punches. The difference in height between the relief lilies and the flatter vine background is achieved solely through manual labor.

The oval center

What is unusual about this piece is the center: the smooth surface is not perfectly circular, but cut slightly oval, while the outer edge remains round. This is not an oversight, but intentional—the border is wider at two opposite points, precisely where the lilies are located. They are given more space without the tray having to be larger overall.

Material and origin

With a piece of this design, the material determines the feasibility: The chased rim could not be produced on plated silver—it would tear during the chasing process. And a tray that is actually used can only withstand polishing if the silver is solid throughout.

Zaramella Argenti has been working in Padua since 1948. Its signature is the house's richly chased line.

Uses

At approx. 46 cm, it holds a carafe with six glasses, a cheese selection, or dessert for six. Because of the grape motif, it is the obvious choice for a wine evening—as a base for a carafe, glasses, and bread.

In the middle of a round table or on a sideboard, it looks beautiful even when empty: the four lilies give it the same appearance from every side.

Silver in use

A tray of this size is not used every week—and that is precisely its role. It marks the occasions when more people are sitting at the table. In between times, it sits on the sideboard and is not put away.

Silver that is used ages more beautifully than silver stored in a cabinet: the raised areas remain bright because hands and cloths brush over them, while the recesses darken. This contrast creates the depth that distinguishes antique silverware from new. A piece left locked away for decades, by contrast, tarnishes evenly and looks dull.

Engraving

The oval center is particularly well-suited for a landscape-format engraving—a dedication with a date in two lines, an elongated coat of arms, or a double monogram. Engraving is subject to verification; we will coordinate the format and position in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding—as an ancient symbol of purity, the lily makes the motif appropriate. For a silver anniversary, a company jubilee, or as an honorary gift. For wine lovers, the grape ornamentation is the deciding factor.

Care

Clean by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. Do not put in the dishwasher: cleaning salts attack silver, and moisture would remain trapped between the relief lilies and grape clusters. A soft brush is suitable for the recesses. Tarnish is normal and can be removed with a silver cloth; the darker patina may remain in the depths, as it gives the relief its dimension. More information in our guide to caring for silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the center oval, but the edge round?

So that the rim is wider at two opposite points—where the lily motifs are located. This gives them more space without increasing the overall dimensions.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with a material weight of approx. 2.16 kg, not plated.

Can I serve food directly on it?

925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% fine silver and has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Clean promptly by hand after serving acidic foods.

Is the tray available with a different edge?

Yes—with the same diameter as a tray with cartouches and as a tray with a shell edge.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacture.

The lily motif in comparison

Three round trays in this line measure approx. 46 cm. This one features a continuous lily motif that runs around the rim without interruption.

• the tray with cartouches — framed fields instead of a continuous band
• the tray with a shell edge — acanthus leaf, more pronounced relief

The oval center is no coincidence: it picks up the movement of the edge motif and makes the round surface appear less static. For continuous ornaments, this is a common artistic device—for framed fields, it would be unnecessary.

For the angular design language of the same line, square trays are available; those looking for a serving piece without a raised edge should browse our silver plates.

You might also be interested in

More shapes in our silver trays collection, the entire range in our tableware & silverware category, as well as carafes & pitchers. All pieces in the line are gathered in the Signature by Zaramella category.