Kiddush Cup 925 Silver Signature23 — approx. 9 cm, partially gilded

Golden acanthus leaves emerging from dark patinated silver: of all the Kiddush cups in this line, this is the most elaborate — and at the same time the smallest. A piece that you hold in your hand and realize how much work has gone into just a few centimeters.

At a glance

• Kiddush cup made of 925 sterling silver
• Height approx. 9 cm — silver weight approx. 0.185 kg
• Partially gilded acanthus leaves on an oxidized background
• Interior fully gilded
• Signature23 design
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Small, because it is held

Nine centimeters sounds like very little for a piece of such complexity. However, the size follows the action: The Kiddush — the blessing over wine at the start of Shabbat and holidays — is recited while holding the cup in one's hand. It must rest steadily for the duration of the blessing, not become too heavy, and be easy to grasp securely.

That is why a Kiddush cup has no handle and no tall base. It sits in the palm of the hand. Anything beyond that would be a hindrance during use.

Anyone looking for a larger cup usually has something else in mind: The Cup of Elijah, which stands on the table at Passover, is not used for drinking and can therefore measure 30 cm or more.

The partial gilding

Not the entire piece is gilded, but only the acanthus leaves — in silversmithing, this is known as partial gilding or parcel-gilt. The cup is first fully chased, then the surfaces intended to remain silver are masked off, and only the exposed parts are gilded. Every edge of the leaves must be clearly defined.

The background behind it is intentionally oxidized, or darkened. Only this contrast allows the golden leaves to stand out; without it, the dense ornament would visually blur together. The dark zones are intentional and should be preserved when cleaning.

The gilded interior

Wine is acidic, and silver reacts to it. Over the years, the inner wall would become dull and the taste would suffer. Gold does not react — and the interior of a cup cannot be polished anyway. For this reason, interior gilding has been common for silver drinking vessels for centuries.

Material and origin

The advantage of solid silver over silver-plated goods is twofold for a cup: Chasing is only possible in solid silver — a plating would tear during hammering — and the interior gilding provides protection exactly where one cannot polish. A cup that is filled over decades needs both.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The Signature line represents the house's richly chased signature style; Signature23 is their variant with partial gilding.

As a gift

For a Bar or Bat Mitzvah — the day a child becomes a religious adult and recites the blessing themselves for the first time. Having one's own cup is a classic gift for this occasion, and it is used for a lifetime.

Likewise for a wedding or a birth, with the future in mind. Cups of this kind remain in families and often carry engravings from several generations.

At the Shabbat table

The Kiddush cup is not the only object on the table. The start of Shabbat also includes two candles, which are lit before sunset, and two braided loaves — the challot — which lie under a cloth until the blessing over them is recited.

The cup takes precedence in this sequence: after lighting the candles, the Kiddush is recited, followed by the washing of hands and the blessing over the bread. Those who acquire ritual items one by one therefore almost always begin with the cup.

Engraving

After inspection, the smooth bottom rim or the underside remain as the engraving area — the wall is crafted throughout. This is sufficient for a name and date. We will advise you in advance. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — including the inside. No dishwasher. No polishing paste on the dark parts: it would remove the intentional oxidation. On the gilded leaves, rub dry only; gold is soft. Rinse quickly after use so that no wine dries on it. More in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Are the dark areas tarnish?

No, they are intentionally oxidized so that the gilded leaves stand out. They are part of the piece.

How much does the cup hold?

At approx. 9 cm in height, it holds a standard glass of wine. We can provide the exact volume upon request.

Is it kosher?

We sell silver items and describe their use — we cannot provide rulings on religious law. Questions regarding ritual suitability should be answered by your community.

Is there a matching plate?

Yes — the plate measuring approx. 20.5×20.5 cm from the same model group. Both together form the partially gilded Kiddush set.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

The "Signature 23" group

Zaramella offers three coordinated pieces under this model name — the name comes from the house catalogue, not a year:

• this cup, approx. 9 cm, partially gilded
• the matching plate, approx. 20.5×20.5 cm
• both together as a partially gilded Kiddush set

Without gilding, the line includes the cup of approx. 10 cm and the cup with a foot. The choice between silver and partial gilding is a matter of presentation: gold highlights the ornament, while silver alone allows the form to speak for itself.

Between Friday evenings, such a cup is usually displayed. With the partially gilded version, this is particularly worthwhile: the contrast between gold on the raised parts and silver in the recessed parts comes across more clearly under standing light in a display case than on the dinner table.

You might also be interested in

Other ritual items in the category Judaica in 925 silver, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. What happens during the Kiddush and why the cup remains small as a result is explained in Silver at the Jewish Table.