Bottle coaster, 925 silver with gold rim — approx. 14 cm

Two metals in one piece, and the border between them is razor-sharp: on the outside, a wide gold ring; on the inside, the reflective silver base. That both go together without appearing cluttered is due to the layout — the gold frames, the silver supports. The manufacturer offers this model as the Cardinale.

At a glance

• Bottle coaster made of 925 sterling silver, gold-plated rim
• Diameter approx. 14 cm — silver weight approx. 109 g
• Wide gold-plated outer rim, narrow stepped ring toward the center
• Flat plate shape, mirror-polished center
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacturer since 1948

Why only the rim is gold-plated

A fully gold-plated piece would be easier to manufacture — you dip it and you're done. Partial gilding requires a mask that fits precisely, otherwise the edge frays. The effort lies in the dividing line, not in the gold layer.

In terms of content, the division makes sense: A coaster that is gold throughout would distract from the bottle label. The ring, on the other hand, acts like a passe-partout — it encompasses what is placed in the center and steps back itself.

Where the name comes from

The manufacturer offers this model as the Cardinale. The name alludes to cardinal red, which is traditionally accompanied by gold in ecclesiastical furnishings — a wide gold border around a light center is a recurring motif there. Transferred to a coaster, the division remains: the heavy frame on the outside, the tranquil surface on the inside.

What the gilding means in practice

Gold does not tarnish. Where silver darkens over time and requires polishing, the gold-plated rim remains as it is. For a piece that is handled frequently, it is precisely the rim that is most likely to suffer — here, it is protected.

Material

The gilding sits on solid silver, not on a base metal — this is the difference that only shows after years. With silver-plated goods, there is a second thin layer beneath the gold coating, and where two platings lie one on top of the other, the lower one eventually detaches. Here, there is only one boundary: gold on silver. The coaster is hallmarked.

What it is suitable for

For wine, sparkling wine, and water bottles of any design — the flat shape does not dictate a diameter. It fits well on a table that already features gold-plated items and adds a deliberate accent to a table entirely in silver.

In the same flat design, but made entirely of silver, there is the simple coaster with approx. 14.5 cm. If you prefer a raised wall, you will find it in the smooth coaster.

As a gift

Bicolor has become rare — most houses carry either silver or gold. If you want to give someone something that does not fit into an existing collection, but stands alongside it, this is the right choice.

Engraving is possible on the silver mirror; we advise against it on the gilding, as the engraving would pierce the layer. We are happy to advise you in advance. Upon request, we will 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. No dishwasher. Do not use silver polish on the gold-plated rim — it attacks the gold layer. The rim needs nothing but a damp cloth anyway, because gold does not tarnish. More in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Does the gilding wear off?

Not with normal use. It lies on the rim, where nothing rubs against it — unlike the inside of a cup that is wiped out daily.

Is it real gold?

Yes, a galvanic fine gold plating on silver. The core of the piece is 925 silver throughout.

Does every bottle fit on it?

Yes — the surface is flat, there is no ring that limits the diameter.

Is it also available without gold?

Yes — as a flat coaster made entirely of silver, same design, approx. 14.5 cm.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

You might also be interested in

Further pieces for wine and dining in the category Gifts for Wine Lovers as well as in Table Silver.