Silver tray 925 sterling silver signature square — approx. 48x48 cm, shell rim

The largest square tray in the line — and the heaviest among all trays. Its weight is noticeable when lifted and audible when set down. A shell motif is centered on each side, and the corners are robustly sculpted.

At a Glance

• Very large square serving tray made of 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions approx. 48 × 48 cm — silver weight approx. 2.35 kg
• Sculpted shell motif centered on each side
• Robustly crafted corner sections with acanthus volutes
• Densely chased rim between the motifs
• Large smooth surface with rounded corners
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948

The Shell

Four shells divide the rim — one centered on each side, sculpted higher than the surrounding scrollwork. The shell is one of the leading motifs of Italian Baroque; it came through the Renaissance from antiquity, where it symbolized birth and abundance, and on silverware, it became a sign of hospitality.

Between the shells runs dense acanthus scrollwork, with robust volutes at the corners. This division — four corners, four side centers — gives the large square an order that can be grasped at a glance.

The entire piece is hand-chased: worked into the silver with punches, stroke by stroke. Only in this way can the height difference between the sculpted shells and the flatter scroll background be achieved.

Related, but Not Identical

The line includes a second tray of the same size, whose rim is decorated with continuous scrollwork on a frosted background. The difference is fundamental: there, a uniform band; here, a division into four accents. If you seek a smooth surface, choose the scroll tray; if you prefer structure and relief, this one.

Material and Origin

For a piece of this craftsmanship, the material determines its manufacturability: The chased rim would not be feasible on a plated piece — it would tear during the chasing process. And a tray that is used can only withstand polishing if the silver is solid throughout. It is hallmarked by the manufacturer in Italy.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The richly chased line is the house's signature.

What it's Used For

Approx. 48 × 48 cm can hold a carafe with eight glasses, a complete coffee service for six to eight, or a large cheese or appetizer platter. For receptions, it can carry twelve filled glasses in one go — when loaded, it weighs a good five kilograms, requiring two hands to carry.

On a sideboard or console, it serves as a permanent surface on which an arrangement is built and remains. The four shells give it the same appearance from every side — it doesn't need to be aligned.

Silver in Use

A piece of this size is not used weekly. It marks occasions: the celebration, the reception, Sunday with the whole family. In between, it is displayed visibly, rather than stored in a cabinet.

This is also better for the material. Silver that is touched by hands and cloths remains bright in the raised areas, while the depressions darken — this creates the contrast that defines antique silverware. Enclosed silver, on the other hand, tarnishes uniformly and appears dull.

Engraving

The surface is the largest square engraving area in the range: flat, unornamented, with rounded corners. A family crest, a company logo, or a multi-line dedication can be centered and framed by the rim. Engraving on request; for this surface, we discuss the design and scale in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Occasions

As a collective gift for a wedding or golden anniversary, for a company anniversary, as an honorary gift. For a piece of this size, the question of durability does not arise — it outlasts the occasion for which it was given and is passed down.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — for this size, it's best to dry it lying flat. No dishwasher: cleaning salts attack silver, and moisture would remain in the deep parts of the shells. A soft brush is suitable for the depressions. Tarnishing is normal and reversible with a silver cloth; the darker tone can remain in the depths. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is it when loaded?

The tray weighs approx. 2.35 kg. With twelve filled glasses, it comes to about five kilograms — easy to carry with both hands.

How does it differ from the other 48 cm tray?

The tray with the scroll rim features its ornament flat on a frosted background. This one has a sculpturally chased shell rim with a distinct contour — the same size, but a distinctly different appearance.

Solid or plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver, not plated, with official Italian hallmark.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

The Largest Square Tray

Approx. 48×48 cm, with a sculpturally chased shell rim — among the square trays in the line, this is the most elaborate. Alongside it, in the same size, is the tray with the scroll rim, whose ornament lies flatter on a frosted background.

Smaller formats of the same design language: approx. 45×45 cm with palmettes and approx. 42×42 cm.

A piece of this size is rarely bought alone. It usually marks the beginning or end of a collection — as the piece around which smaller ones are added. For those who prefer a round design language, it can be found among the round trays of the same line.

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Other formats for silver trays, the entire range in table silver & silverware, plus carafes & pitchers. All pieces in the line are together in the Signature by Zaramella category.