Wine Carafe & Silver Tray 925 Sterling Silver Gilt — Signature Set

Two metals on one piece — and the question of why. Fine gold on silver is not an embellishment for its own sake: it makes visible what an engraved surface usually only shows in glancing light. Where the acanthus leaf stands raised, the gold sits; where it is recessed, the silver remains. This allows the ornament to emerge from the surface without needing to be driven deeper.

At a Glance

• Two-piece set made of 925 sterling silver, partially gilded
• Carafe approx. 42 cm high, capacity approx. 1 liter
• Tray approx. 25 × 25 cm, square
• Total silver weight approx. 2.45 kg — carafe approx. 1,800 g, tray approx. 650 g
• Acanthus frieze, hand-chased, raised areas with fine gold
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948, with Italian hallmark

The Acanthus Leaf

The motif that wraps around the body is over two thousand years old. The acanthus leaf — jagged, curled at the tips — has adorned Corinthian column capitals since antiquity and reappears in every era that references antiquity. The Renaissance rediscovered it, Classicism canonized it.

It is chased from two sides: The master pushes the motif from behind through the silver sheet and then works the fine lines from the front. Only then is it gilded — selectively, only on the raised parts. A flat application would obscure the depth of the work instead of showing it.

How it Ages

Silver and fine gold behave differently. Silver reacts with sulfur compounds from the air and darkens; gold remains as it is. For a partially gilded piece, this means: The contrast grows with the years. The ornament becomes clearer, not paler.

If you don't want this, polish regularly and maintain the condition. If you appreciate it, let it happen — it's not damage, but visible time on the piece. In the chased recesses, the darker depth may remain anyway; it is this that makes the relief appear three-dimensional.

The Silver Sister

The same combination carries the line without gilding, with openwork tendrils instead of the acanthus frieze. Same dimensions, same craftsmanship — the decision between the two is one of appearance: gold highlights the ornament, pure silver lets the form speak for itself.

Other vessels from the same line: the Salome Silver Jug, the Baluster Vase, and the continuously chased vase. Gilded ritual pieces are among the partially gilded Eliyahu sets.

Occasions

This set is not an everyday item. Its place is the festive table: silver wedding anniversaries, golden wedding anniversaries, round company jubilees, honors, retirement gifts — occasions where an object should represent an entire period of time.

It also has its place at Jewish festivals. The Kiddush is recited over a cup of wine, and on Seder night, four cups are part of the ritual; the carafe is the vessel from which it is poured. It is not a ritual object — the associated implements are in the Judaica made of 925 Silver category.

Care

Wash by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap, then immediately polish dry. No dishwasher and no immersion baths: silver baths with immersion solution attack the gilding. Gently wipe the gilded areas with a polishing cloth — gold is softer than silver. Clean the chased recesses with a soft brush. Store dry, ideally in an anti-tarnish bag or in a display cabinet. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the gilding wear off?

Not with proper handling. Fine gold is softer than silver, so no abrasive polish and no immersion bath. The gilded parts are also on the raised areas, where there is little pressure during drying anyway.

How does it differ from the silver set?

The silver set features openwork tendrils instead of the acanthus frieze and does not include gilding. Dimensions and construction are identical.

Is the carafe fully functional for wine?

Yes. It is unadorned and smoothly polished on the inside; 925 silver is tasteless. For longer storage, the wine belongs back in the bottle; the carafe is intended for serving at the table.

Can the set be engraved?

The acanthus frieze largely fills the visible surfaces. A discreet engraving on the bottom of the tray or carafe can be checked upon request, for initials or a date, for example.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality manufacturer packaging; both pieces are separately padded so that the gilding does not get pressure marks.

You Might Also Be Interested In

More silver tableware in the Table Silver Collection, ritual items in the Judaica made of 925 Silver category. All pieces from the line are grouped under Signature by Zaramella.