Kiddush Set 925 Sterling Silver Signature23 — Goblet and Plate, partially gold-plated

This set is recognizable at first glance: golden acanthus leaves emerging from darkly patinated silver. For gold-plated pieces, manufacturing them together pays off in particular — the gold plating is of equal thickness on both pieces. If purchased separately, the tones can differ minimally, which is only noticeable when both are placed side by side.

At a glance

• Kiddush set in 925 sterling silver: goblet and plate
• Goblet approx. 9 cm, plate approx. 20.5 × 20.5 cm — combined silver weight approx. 0.795 kg
• Partially gold-plated acanthus leaves on a darkly patinated background
• Inside of the goblet fully gold-plated
• Plate with a circular indentation to hold the goblet
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Partial gold plating — what it is

In this set, the entire piece is not gold-plated, only individual parts: the acanthus leaves. The technical term for this is partial gilding — also known as parcel-gilt in silver craftsmanship.

The technique requires two stages. First, the piece is completely chased, then the areas intended to remain silver are covered, and only the exposed parts are gold-plated. Each leaf edge must be clearly defined; if the gold runs, the work is ruined.

The effort explains the price difference compared to the monochromatic models of the same line.

The dark background

Between the tendrils, the silver appears significantly darker than on the raised areas. This is oxidation: the indentations are specifically darkened so that the pattern gains depth and the gold-plated leaves stand out against it all the more brightly.

Without this contrast, such a densely chased ornament would visually blur — especially by candlelight. The dark zones are therefore not tarnishing and not a defect, but intentional. They should be preserved when polishing; whoever wipes them away deprives the piece of its definition.

Goblet and plate as a unit

The plate has a circular indentation in the center where the goblet sits. This is more than ornamentation: during Kiddush, the goblet is filled to the brim, and anything that spills over collects in the hollow instead of on the tablecloth. The goblet also does not slide even if the plate is lifted.

Both parts are crafted to be matched — the same leaf shape, the same gilding zone, the same degree of patination. Individually purchased pieces from different series do not produce this effect.

Material and origin

The advantage of solid silver over silver-plated ware is twofold for a goblet: chasing only succeeds in solid silver — a coating would tear during raising — and the interior gilding protects exactly where one cannot polish. A goblet that is filled for decades needs both.

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

The Kiddush

The Kiddush — "sanctification" — opens the Shabbat and holidays. The blessing is recited over a goblet of wine, after which it is drunk and the goblet is passed around.

A set like this is the centerpiece of the table. It is used weekly and is therefore designed for regular use: solid silver, gold-plated interior, no delicate attachments.

As a gift

For a wedding, when a new household is being established and requires its own ritual items for the first time. For a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. A complete set is the perfect gift for occasions where completeness matters — and it can be purchased jointly by multiple givers.

Engraving

The smooth indentation of the plate and the base rim of the goblet can be engraved. With sets, often only one part is engraved — usually the plate, so that the goblet remains untouched. We will coordinate this with you in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

Clean by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — including the inside of the goblet. No dishwasher. No polishing paste on the dark parts: it would remove the intentional oxidation and make the ornament appear flat. A soft silver cloth on the raised surfaces is sufficient. Also, only wipe the gold-plated leaves dry — gold is soft. More can be found in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Are the dark areas tarnishing?

No. They are intentionally oxidized so that the ornament gains depth and the gold-plated leaves stand out. They are part of the piece and should not be polished away.

Does the gilding wear off?

Not under normal use. The leaves are raised and are only wiped dry during cleaning. Abrasive cleaners and polishing pastes should be avoided.

What is the set made of?

925 silver, which consists of 92.5% fine silver; the interior of the goblet is gold-plated.

Is the set kosher?

We carry silver tableware and describe its use — we cannot provide religious legal advice. Questions regarding ritual suitability should be answered by your congregation.

Are the goblet and plate available individually?

Yes — the goblet, approx. 9 cm and the plate, approx. 20.5×20.5 cm. As a set, both come from the same production, which ensures a uniform gold tone for gold-plated pieces.

What the set consists of

The partially gold-plated goblet, approx. 9 cm and the partially gold-plated plate, approx. 20.5×20.5 cm — both from the Signature 23 model group, both also available individually.

For gold-plated pieces, joint manufacturing pays off in particular: the gold plating is of equal thickness on both parts. If the goblet and plate are obtained separately and at different times, the tones can slightly differ — which is only noticeable when both are placed side by side.

The simple alternative without gold is the Kiddush set with the footed goblet. For those looking for the Seder table instead of for Shabbat, the corresponding sets can be found among the partially gold-plated Eliyahu sets.

As a partially gold-plated set, this is also a piece for display. Arranged with the goblet on the plate, on a dresser or in an illuminated display case, the gold accent appears stronger than in daylight on the dining table — and because the set is used weekly, it belongs in a place that is easily accessible anyway.

You might also be interested in

Other ritual objects in the category Judaica in 925 silver, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. Friday evening, when this set is used, is described in Silver at the Jewish Table.