Kiddush Cup 925 Silver Signature23 — approx. 9 cm, partially gilded

Golden acanthus leaves emerging from dark patinated silver: Among the kiddush cups of the line, this is the most elaborate - and also the smallest. A piece you hold in your hand and realize how much work is packed into just a few centimeters.

At a Glance

• Kiddush cup made of 925 sterling silver
• Height approx. 9 cm - silver weight approx. 0.185 kg
• Partially gilded acanthus leaves on an oxidized background
• Interior fully gilded
• Signature23 edition
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua - manufactory since 1948

Small, because it's held

Nine centimeters sounds small for a piece of this elaborate nature. However, the size follows the action: the Kiddush – the blessing over wine at the beginning of Shabbat and holidays – is recited while holding the cup. It must rest steadily for the duration of the blessing, not become heavy, and be easy to grasp securely.

That's why a Kiddush cup has no handle and no high base. It rests in the palm of your hand. Anything beyond that would be impractical for use.

Those looking for a larger cup usually mean something else: the Cup of Elijah, which stands on the table at Passover, is not drunk from and can therefore measure 30 cm or more.

Partial Gilding

Not the entire piece is gilded, but only the acanthus leaves - in silversmithing, this is called partial gilding or parcel-gilt. The cup is first fully chased, then the areas that are to remain silver are covered, and only the exposed parts are gilded. Every leaf edge must be cleanly delineated.

The underlying surface is intentionally oxidized, meaning it has been darkened. Only this contrast allows the golden leaves to stand out; without it, the dense ornament would visually blend together. The dark zones are intentional and should be preserved during cleaning.

The Gilded Interior

Wine is acidic, and silver reacts to it. Over the years, the inner wall would tarnish and the taste would suffer. Gold does not react — and the inside of a cup cannot be polished anyway. That is why gilding the interior of silver drinking vessels has been common for centuries.

Material and Origin

The advantage of solid silver over silver-plated ware is twofold in a cup: Chasing only works with solid silver – a plating would tear when worked –, and the internal gilding protects precisely where polishing is impossible. A cup that is filled for decades needs both. The Italian hallmark of the manufacturer indicates the material.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The Signature line is the richly chased hallmark of the house; Signature23 is its variant with partial gilding.

As a Gift

For a Bar or Bat Mitzvah – the day a child becomes religiously mature and recites the blessing themselves for the first time. One's own cup is among the classic gifts for this occasion, and it will be used for a lifetime.

Also for weddings or births, with a thought to the future. Cups of this kind remain in families and often bear engravings from several generations.

At the Shabbat Table

The Kiddush is not the only item on the table. At the start of Shabbat, there are also two candles, lit before sunset, and two braided loaves of challah, covered by a cloth until the blessing over them is recited.

The cup is first in this sequence: After lighting the candles, the Kiddush is recited, followed by the washing of hands and the blessing over bread. Therefore, anyone acquiring ritual objects one by one almost always starts with the cup.

Engraving

The smooth base rim or the underside remains available for engraving — the wall is continuously worked. This is sufficient for a name with a date. We will advise you beforehand. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care Instructions

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly – also inside. No dishwasher. No polishing paste on the dark parts: It would remove the desired oxidation. On the gilded leaves, only wipe dry, gold is soft. Rinse promptly after use to prevent wine from drying on. More information in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the dark spots tarnish?

No, they are deliberately oxidized so that the gilded leaves stand out. They are part of the piece.

How much does the cup hold?

At approximately 9 cm in height, it holds a typical glass of wine. We can provide the exact volume upon request.

Is it kosher?

We sell silver ritual items and describe their use — we cannot provide religious legal advice. Questions about ritual suitability should be directed to your community.

Is there a matching plate?

Yes — the plate measuring approx. 20.5×20.5 cm from the same model group. Both together form the partially gilded Kiddush set.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

The "Signature 23" Group

Zaramella offers three coordinated pieces under this model designation - the name comes from the house's catalog, not a year:

• this cup, approx. 9 cm, partially gilded
• the matching plate, approx. 20.5×20.5 cm
• both together as a partially gilded Kiddush set

Without gilding, the line includes the cup at approx. 10 cm and the footed cup at 9 cm. The decision between silver and partial gilding is one of presentation: gold highlights the ornament, pure silver lets the form speak for itself.

Between Friday evenings, such a cup is usually prominently displayed. With the partially gilded version, this is particularly worthwhile: The interplay of gold on the raised parts and silver in the recessed areas is more clearly brought out in standing light in a display cabinet than on a set table.

You might also be interested in

More ritual objects in the category Judaica made of 925 silver, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. What happens during Kiddush and why the cup remains small is explained in Silver at the Jewish Table.