Sterling silver tray 925 silver signature rectangular — approx. 39×28 cm

A tray is rarely the centerpiece of a table — yet it carries it. This one is the entry into the rectangular series: the size that remains practical in everyday life and shows poise on festive occasions. If you are unsure which format you need, you usually choose this one — a tray that is too large stays in the cupboard.

At a glance

• Rectangular serving tray made of 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions approx. 39 × 28 cm
• Rim entirely chased by hand — acanthus tendrils with small flowers
• Curved arc contour with a fine beaded edge on the outer rim
• Smooth, unornamented mirrored surface — ideal for an engraving
• Made in Italy by Zaramella Argenti, manufacturer since 1948
• From the Signature line

Shape and Ornament

The "Fahne" — as the surrounding rim of a tray is called — is the actual carrier of the work. It is not embossed, but chased: The pattern is hammered into the silver by hand with punches, stroke by stroke. You can recognize the technique by the finished piece — the tendrils have depth, the leaves cast real shadows, and no two sections are exactly alike.

The motif is the acanthus, that jagged leaf that has adorned capitals and silver objects since antiquity and came into table culture via the Italian Renaissance. Small flowers sit between the tendrils. Outwards, a fine beaded edge finishes the "Fahne", inwards, a curved step leads to the mirrored surface.

This mirrored surface — the smooth inner surface — has deliberately been left plain. It allows candlelight to work, provides a calm base for glasses and carafes, and accommodates an engraving without conflicting with the ornament.

Material and Origin

For a piece of this craftsmanship, the material determines its manufacturability: The chased "Fahne" would not be manufacturable on an overlay — it would tear during chasing. 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 house's style is not loud — it lies in the purity of form and the meticulousness of the rim work. The Signature line within this assortment is richly chased: the same ornamental language that you also find on the wine carafe set of the Signature line.

What Fits On It

Rectangular and approx. 39 × 28 cm — this is the size for two to four glasses with a carafe, for a coffee pot with cups, for pastries and chocolates with espresso. At a reception, it carries filled champagne glasses; at dinner, it serves as a base for a carafe or butter and bread.

Just as often, such a tray is not even on the table, but on a dresser in the hallway: for keys and mail, in the dressing room for jewelry, on the desk for pens and glasses. Silver that is used ages more beautifully than silver that sits in a cupboard.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

The smooth mirrored surface is an unusually good engraving area — large, flat, and without ornamentation that would need to be avoided. Names, a date, a dedication, a monogram, or a family crest can find their place here. Engraving is possible upon request; we advise you in advance on placement, scope, and technique, because for a piece of this size, positioning determines the effect.

Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card — a digitally designed card in 15 × 10 cm format, written as a unique piece for your occasion. It is currently free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding, a silver tray is one of the few gifts that truly accompanies a couple throughout their lives — it outlasts moves, changes in taste, and generations of furniture. For a silver wedding anniversary, the circle closes in an obvious way. For a milestone birthday, a housewarming, as a thank you to wedding witnesses, or as a prestigious gift for business partners, it stands where flowers would be too fleeting and a card too little.

Care

Clean the tray by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. The dishwasher is not suitable for chased silver: cleaning salts attack the surface, and moisture remains in the recesses. Tarnished silver is not damage, but a reaction with sulfur from the air — a silver cloth or a mild silver bath restores the shine. You can leave the darker depth in the tendrils: It makes the ornament appear three-dimensional. More detailed information can be found in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tray solid silver or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver, no plating. It bears the official Italian hallmark of the manufacturer.

Can I serve food directly on it?

Yes, 925 silver is suitable for contact with food. For highly acidic foods, we recommend a napkin or a small dish as an interlayer and prompt cleaning afterwards.

How large is the engraving area?

The smooth mirrored surface covers most of the inner area. There is ample space for a multi-line dedication or a coat of arms. We will coordinate the exact design with you in advance.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, the tray comes in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer, ready for gifting.

Are there matching pieces?

The same model is available in two other sizes: approx. 47×35 cm and approx. 53×40 cm. All three are identical in form, so they look good as a series next to each other.

The smallest of the three sizes

Zaramella offers this model in three formats. They differ only in size — contour, rim, and chasing are identical:

• approx. 39×28 cm — this tray: glasses for four to six people, carafe with two mugs, mail on the console
• approx. 47×35 cm — the medium size for eight to ten glasses
• approx. 53×40 cm — the serving format for an entire table

If you are unsure, you usually take the smaller one: A tray that is too large for everyday use stays in the cupboard. This one can be carried with one hand and fits on any sideboard.

Round alternatives of comparable craftsmanship can be found in the Silver Trays category.

You might also be interested in

Further pieces can be found under Silver Trays, in all Table Silver & Silverware or among Carafes & Jugs, which fit on a tray of this size. All pieces of the line are together in the category Signature by Zaramella.