925 Silver Saint Michel Photo Frame — 10×15 cm, oval, engravable

Oval frames have gone out of fashion and have therefore become rare — unjustly so. An oval guides the eye differently than a rectangle: it has no corners for the eye to get caught in, and it nestles around a face instead of boxing it in. The Saint Michel is one such oval, made of 925 sterling silver, bordered by a fine beaded rim.

The oval shape — made for portraits

The oval is the classic portrait shape. If you want to display a single face, it serves you better than a rectangle: the frame picks up the curve of the head and allows the edges of the image to taper more softly. This is precisely why children’s portraits have been framed in ovals for centuries.

The beaded rim runs as a single fine line around the opening. The remaining surface remains smooth and curved, allowing the light to travel along the edge — an effect not found in straight frames.

Material and craftsmanship

925 sterling silver, high-polish finish. The oval shape is more demanding to manufacture than the rectangular version because the beaded rim must run evenly around a curve without compressing. Crafted by Zaramella Argenti in Italy, since 1948.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The smooth surface below the image opening can be engraved upon review — initials or a date will sit calmly there without disturbing the curvature. We perform engravings after a review — please contact us before ordering so we can clarify placement and font size together.

Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format — individually designed, suited to the occasion, and free of charge, even without an engraving order.

For which occasion is the Saint Michel suitable?

For a christening, where the oval has a long tradition. For a birth, when the first portrait is to be framed. For the first day of school, because a school photo is a portrait anyway — and in this form, it looks less like a passport photo. Further formats and shapes can be found in our frame collection.

Frequently asked questions

What photo size fits inside?

A 10 × 15 cm photo. The oval cutout crops the corners — subjects should therefore be centered.

Can the frame be engraved?

Yes, upon review, on the smooth surface below the opening.

Is the oval also available in a larger size?

Yes, in a 15 × 20 cm format.

Does the silver tarnish?

Sterling silver reacts with the air and darkens over time. A soft silver polishing cloth will remove the tarnish. How best to care for children's silver can be found in our care guide.