Silver Tray, 925 Sterling Silver, Signature, Round — approx. 46 cm, Lily Rim

Four lilies on the axes of the round, with dense tendrils and grapevines in between. The mirror in the center is not round, but slightly oval – a subtlety that is only noticed on second glance and prevents the surface from appearing static.

At a Glance

• Large round serving tray made of 925 sterling silver
• Diameter approx. 46 cm – silver weight approx. 2.16 kg
• Four sculptural lily motifs on the axes
• Dense tendril and grape work between the lilies
• Wavy outer contour, smooth oval mirror
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua – Manufacture since 1948

The Lily

Four lilies sit on the axes – top, bottom, left, right. They are more raised than the rest of the ornament and form the fixed points for the eye to orient itself. Between them runs a dense network of tendrils and grape clusters.

The lily is one of Europe's oldest ornamental motifs. In the Italian Renaissance, it stood for purity and became the city emblem of Florence; it has been at home on sterling silver since the 16th century. The combination with grape motifs – wine, harvest, hospitality – makes this tray a piece that refers to the table in content, not just formally.

The work is hand-chiseled: driven into the silver with punches. The difference in height between the sculptural lilies and the flatter tendril background is only achieved by hand.

The Oval Mirror

Unusual about this piece is the center: The smooth mirror is not perfectly round, but slightly oval, while the outer rim remains round. This is not carelessness, but intentional – the rim is wider at two opposite points, precisely where the lilies sit. They get more space without the tray needing to be larger overall.

Material and Origin

For a piece of this craftsmanship, the material determines its manufacturability: The chiseled rim would not be possible on a plating – 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 working in Padua since 1948. Their signature is the richly chiseled line of the house.

What it is Used For

Approx. 46 cm can hold a carafe with six glasses, a cheese selection, or dessert for six. Because of the grape motif, it is the obvious piece for a wine evening – as a base for a carafe, glasses, and bread.

In the center of a round table or on a sideboard, it stands beautifully even without contents: The four lilies give it the same appearance from every side.

Silver in Use

A tray of this size is not used every week – and that is precisely its role. It marks occasions when more people are at the table. In between, it sits on the sideboard and is not put away.

Silver that is used ages more beautifully than silver in a cabinet: The raised areas remain bright because hands and cloths brush over them, while the depressions darken. This difference creates the depth that separates old silverware from new. A piece that remains enclosed for decades, on the other hand, tarnishes evenly and looks dull.

Engraving

The oval mirror is particularly suitable for a landscape-oriented engraving – a dedication with a date in two lines, an elongated coat of arms, a double monogram. Engraving upon request; we will coordinate the format and position in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilverVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding – the lily as an ancient symbol of purity makes the motif fitting here. For a silver wedding anniversary, company anniversary, or as an honorary gift. For wine lovers, the grape motif is the argument.

Care

Hand wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher: cleaning salts attack silver, and moisture would remain between the sculptural lilies and grape clusters. 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, it makes the relief sculptural. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the mirror oval but the rim round?

So that the rim is wider at two opposite points – where the lily motifs sit. This gives them more space without increasing the overall size.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with approx. 2.16 kg material weight, not plated, with official Italian hallmark.

Can I serve food directly on it?

Yes, 925 silver is suitable for food contact. After acidic foods, clean promptly by hand.

Is the tray also available with a different rim?

Yes – in the same diameter as a tray with cartouches and as a tray with a shell rim.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

The Lily Motif in Comparison

Three round trays from the line measure approx. 46 cm. This one features a continuous lily motif that encircles the rim without interruption.

• the tray with cartouches – framed fields instead of a continuous band
• the tray with a shell rim – acanthus leaf, more sculptural

The oval mirror in the center is no coincidence: It picks up the movement of the rim motif and makes the round surface appear less static. This is a common artistic device with continuous ornaments – it would be unnecessary with framed fields.

For the angular design language of the same line, the square trays are available; those looking for a serving piece without a raised rim can look at the silver plates.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Other shapes among the silver trays, the entire range in silverware & silver dishes, plus carafes & pitchers. All pieces from the line are together in the category Signature by Zaramella.