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

Renaissance ornament in silver and gold – this wine decanter and its matching tray, made of 925 sterling silver, demonstrate why Italian silverware tradition holds such a reputation. The decanter stands 42 centimeters high, weighs around 1.7 kilograms, and features a gilded acanthus leaf frieze that encircles its body. The square tray (25 × 25 cm outer dimensions) adopts the same ornamental language as a frame. Both pieces are hand-chiseled – not cast – and come from the Zaramella manufactory's Signature line.

Wine Decanter & Silver Tray 925 Silver Signature – 2-piece Set

The decanter features a classic decanter shape with a bulbous base and slender neck – a typical Italian line, complemented by a curved handle that culminates in an intricately crafted volute at the top. The mouth is slightly flared for pouring, and the lid sits snugly on a slender neck extension. The tray is square (25 cm × 25 cm outer, 16 cm inner dimension) with rich border ornamentation and four gilded corner leaf motifs. Together, the decanter and tray create a complete serving picture – not a collection of individual pieces, but a cohesive ensemble.

Renaissance Ornament – Acanthus and Volutes in Silver and Gold

The ornamental line of the Signature collection draws on the Italian Renaissance tradition: acanthus leaves, volutes, finely wavy bands. On the decanter, these motifs are carried around the body – the sculptural leaves are partially gilded, while the background remains highly polished silver. The same interplay is repeated on the tray's rim. The gilding is not solid but selectively applied to the raised areas – an effect that emphasizes the depth of the chiseled work.

Every detail is hand-chiseled: this means the master pushes the motif from the back through the silver sheet and then works the fine lines from the front. For massively chiseled pieces of this size, this is a multi-day process per piece – not an industrial one.

Italian Silversmithing – the Zaramella Signature Line

Zaramella stands for pure Italian silver tradition with clear lines and substantial material use. The Signature collection is the manufactory's silverware line – intended for representative occasions, wedding tables, and family silver passed down through generations. No trendy accents, no experimental forms – the line follows classic Italian silverware exemplars from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Occasions – When the Set Finds Its Voice

This set is not an everyday object. Its place is the festive table, the representative occasion, the highest level gift. Suitable for: silver wedding (25th anniversary, classic silver gift), golden wedding, diamond wedding, significant company anniversaries, honoring personalities, retirement gift for an executive, or as an investment piece for one's own silver collection. You can find more premium objects in the silverware collection.

Care – Protecting the Gilding

The best way to care for 925 silver is with a soft cloth and mild dish soap; polish dry immediately. No dishwashers, no aggressive silver dips with immersion solutions – the selective gilding would suffer from strong polishing solutions. Clean by hand with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth, gently guiding the polishing cloth over the gilded areas. Store dry, ideally in an anti-tarnish bag or display cabinet. If tarnished after years, repolish with a special silver polishing cloth – carefully clean the chiseled indentations with a soft brush.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Signature Wine Decanter

Is the decanter fully functional for wine?
Yes. It is designed as a table decanter for red and white wines – inside it is unadorned and smoothly polished so that the wine does not absorb metal aromas. 925 silver is naturally taste-neutral and antibacterial. For longer storage, wine should be returned to the original bottle; for serving at the table, the decanter is ideal.

Can the set be engraved?
A classic engraving on the outside is not provided as a standard service – the acanthus ornamentation completely fills the visible surfaces. A discreet engraving on the bottom of the tray (outside the inner dimensions) or on the bottom of the decanter can be checked upon request – suitable for initials, a date, or a coat of arms. If you want to include a personal message, you can place a handwritten card in the gift box.

What does "Signature" mean as a collection name?
Signature is the representative silverware line of the Zaramella manufactory – intended as family silver for generations. In addition to decanters and trays, the line also includes trophies, bowls, and individual serving pieces, all in the same Renaissance ornamental vocabulary. If you wish to expand the set later, you will find matching pieces in the same line.

How is the set delivered?
Carefully packed in a high-quality gift box. Both pieces are separately padded to prevent pressure marks on the gilding during transport. The 925 hallmark is visible on both parts.

Why are Italian silverware pieces so stable in value?
Italian silverware of this size is hand-chiseled in small manufactories, with high material input (1.7 kg of silver in the decanter alone) and in limited quantities. These factors – genuine sterling, handcraftsmanship, low quantity – make the set a piece that holds or increases its value over decades, while industrial silver depreciates. More on the material question in the guide 925 Silver in Detail.

What occasions justify the price?
Classically: Silver wedding (25th anniversary – the occasion when silver is traditionally given), Golden wedding (50th), company anniversaries at executive level, honors and retirement presentations with a representative character. Collectors buy the set as an investment piece. It is not a gift for an acquaintance's birthday – it is a gift for a moment that lasts.