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

Two metals on one piece — and the question of why. Fine gold on silver is not decoration for its own sake: it makes visible what a chased surface would otherwise only show in raking light. Where the acanthus leaf stands in relief, the gold is placed; where it is recessed, the silver remains. As a result, the ornament emerges from the surface without needing to be chased any deeper.

At a glance

• Two-piece set made of 925 sterling silver, partially gold-plated
• 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 sections with fine gold
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacturing since 1948

The acanthus leaf

The motif that runs 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 returns in every epoch that draws upon the classical world. The Renaissance rediscovered it; Classicism canonized it.

It is chased from both sides: the master craftsman pushes the motif out from behind the silver sheet and then works the fine lines from the front. Only after this is it gold-plated — selectively, only on the raised parts. A full-surface application would cover up the depth of the work instead of showcasing it.

How it ages

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

Those who do not want this can polish it regularly to maintain its condition. Those who appreciate it let it happen — it is not damage, but the visible passage of time on the piece. In the chased recesses, the darker depth is allowed to remain; it is this that gives the relief its three-dimensional appearance.

The silver sister

The line offers the same composition without gold plating, with openwork tendrils instead of the acanthus frieze. Same dimensions, same craftsmanship — the choice between the two is a matter of presentation: gold highlights the ornament, while silver alone lets the form speak for itself.

Other vessels in the same line: the Salome silver pitcher, the baluster vase, and the continuously chased vase. Gold-plated ritual pieces can be found among the partially gold-plated Eliyahu sets.

Occasions

This set is not an everyday object. Its place is the festive table: silver anniversaries, golden weddings, milestone company anniversaries, honors, retirement gifts — occasions where an object is intended to represent an entire span of time.

It also has its place at Jewish festivals. The Kiddush is recited over a cup of wine, and on the 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 itself — the corresponding implements are in the 925 Silver Judaica category.

Care

By hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap, then polish dry immediately. No dishwasher and no dipping baths: silver baths with immersion solutions attack the gold plating. Use the polishing cloth only gently on the gold-plated areas — gold is softer than silver. Clean the chased recesses with a soft brush. Store in a dry place, 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 gold plating wear off?

Not with proper handling. Fine gold is softer than silver, so avoid abrasive polishes and dipping baths. Furthermore, the gold-plated sections are on the raised parts, where there is little pressure when drying anyway.

How does it differ from the silver set?

The silver set features openwork tendrils instead of the acanthus frieze and comes without gold plating. Dimensions and construction are identical.

Is the carafe fully functional for wine?

Yes. It is unadorned and polished smooth inside; 925 silver is tasteless. For longer storage, the wine should be returned to 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 subtle engraving on the bottom of the tray or carafe is possible upon review, for example for initials or a date.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

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

You might also be interested in

More tableware in the Tableware Collection, ritual equipment in the 925 Silver Judaica category. All pieces in the line are gathered under Signature by Zaramella.