Candlestick 925 Sterling Silver Signature Mini — approx. 40 cm

"Mini" for Zaramella refers to its slender construction, not its height — this candlestick is the second tallest in the line. The narrow base has a practical advantage on a fully set table: it takes up less space, and the view across the table remains unobstructed.

At a Glance

• Single-flame candlestick made of 925 sterling silver
• Height approx. 40 cm — silver weight approx. 0.77 kg
• Baluster-shaped shaft, fully chased
• Dense floral and tendril work with a central rosette
• Domed base on four volute feet
• Model "Mini Signature"
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufactory since 1948

The Baluster Line

The shaft of this candlestick is not a straight cone but follows a baluster line: it flares slightly above the foot, tapers towards the middle, and then narrows again towards the nozzle. This shape came to silver from architecture, via the Italian Renaissance, where it originally described balustrade posts.

For the chaser, it is a more rewarding basic shape. The bulging part provides enough surface for an elaborate motif — here, a central rosette from which tendrils extend upwards and downwards. A straight shaft would constrain the pattern to a narrow band.

The entire work is chased by hand: hammered into the silver with punches, stroke by stroke, following the curvature.

Why Silver and Candlelight Belong Together

Among common metals, silver has the highest reflectivity for visible light — over 95 percent. Before electrification, a silver candlestick was therefore not a luxury but a function: it reflected the light of a single candle back into the room.

With a fully chased piece like this, it happens differently than with a polished one. Instead of a calm, reflective surface, the surface breaks the light into many small reflections — the flame flickers in the metal.

Material and Origin

From the solid silver, two things are immediately apparent on a candlestick: chasing only succeeds in solid silver because a plating would crack under the punch. And silver reflects over 95 percent of visible light — more than any other common metal. Before electrification, this was precisely why candlesticks were made of silver. The Italian hallmark indicates the material.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The Signature line is the richly chased hallmark of the house.

Single or as a Pair

Candlesticks traditionally work in pairs — to the left and right of a centerpiece, at the ends of a table, flanking a sideboard. Symmetry is half the effect.

At approximately 40 cm, the flame stands above the set table without obstructing the view of the person opposite: the light falls from above, and the face remains clear. Together with the larger model of the line, this creates a two-tier arrangement, as found on long tables.

Engraving

The shaft is continuously ornamented and offers no blank space. A discreet engraving on the underside of the base remains possible — for a pair, this is the usual place for initials or a date. We will advise you on request. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding as a pair — candlesticks are among the few gifts that return to the table at every celebration. For a silver wedding anniversary, a housewarming, a milestone birthday. As a present where two givers each contribute a piece.

Care

Hand wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Wax residues are best removed by briefly chilling the candlestick — the wax can then be lifted off without scratching. Never use a knife: silver is softer than steel. A soft brush is suitable for the indentations of the ornament. Tarnishing is normal and reversible with a silver cloth; the darker depth between the tendrils should remain. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver dinnerware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which candles fit?

Classic stick candles with a 22 mm diameter, the standard size available commercially. If slightly undersized, a drop of wax in the nozzle helps.

Does the candlestick get hot?

The nozzle becomes noticeably warm; the shaft remains lukewarm. Allow it to cool briefly before touching.

How does it differ from the larger model in the line?

The Maxi measures approx. 47 cm and has flared leaves on the shaft. This candlestick is lower at approx. 40 cm and significantly more slender — the designation "Mini" refers to the construction, not the height.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver, no plating, with official Italian hallmark.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufactory.

Why "Mini" Does Not Mean Small

At approx. 40 cm, this candlestick is the second tallest in the line — the designation Mini comes from the manufactory's catalog and refers to its slender construction, not its height. The foot and shaft are more slender than in the other models.

For comparison: the classic candlestick and the Poppy candlestick measure approx. 39.5 cm with a wider base, the Maxi approx. 47 cm.

A slender candlestick has a practical advantage on a fully set table: it takes up less space, and the view across the table remains unobstructed. Placing two candlesticks of this design next to each other adds height without cluttering the table.

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