Hammered sterling silver bottle coaster — approx. 10 cm

The same form, a different surface - and thus a completely different piece. Where the polished coaster reflects, this one breaks the light into hundreds of small facets. Each of these is a hammer blow. You don't see them individually, but you do see that the surface doesn't come from a machine.

At a glance

• Bottle coaster made of 925 sterling silver
• Diameter approx. 10 cm - silver weight approx. 220 g
• Hand-hammered (martellato) wall, inside and out
• Profiled smooth base ring as a contrast to the textured surface
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua - Manufacturer since 1948

What hammering achieves

The blows are not just decoration. Hammering compacts the silver - a hammered wall is stronger than a smooth one of the same thickness. This is why the technique originally emerged, long before anyone found it beautiful.

The second effect is practical: on a hammered surface, fingerprints and fine signs of wear are hardly noticeable. A polished piece demands a cloth; this one does not.

By candlelight

A polished surface reflects a candle as a single bright image. A hammered one reflects it a hundredfold - each hammered indentation catches the light at a different angle. This makes the piece appear more vibrant by candlelight than by daylight, which is no small advantage for an item that sits on the table in the evening.

The relationship to the polished piece

Both coasters have the same diameter, the same weight, the same base ring. The difference lies solely in the surface - and in which table they are intended for. The polished coaster suits a formally set table; this one suits a table where wood and linen are also present.

The manufacturer offers the same pair for bottle openers: a smooth and a hammered one. Those who own one will find the complement in the same craftsmanship here.

Material

The hammer blows themselves are proof: a hallmark on silver-plated sheet metal would push the plating off the base metal. What is visible as a surface here can only have been created in solid silver - and can be cleaned for decades without becoming thinner. The Italian hallmark proves it.

What it fits

For wine, sparkling wine, and water bottles. The step at the base catches anything that runs off a chilled bottle, keeping it off the table.

With ornamentation instead of hammer blows, there is the pierced coaster and the coaster with acanthus wreath.

As a gift

Hammered silver is the choice for someone for whom high gloss is too much - it looks artisanal, not representative. Together with the hammered bottle opener, it makes a pair that can be given in two steps.

Engraving is possible on the smooth base ring, where the surface is even; we advise in advance on placement and size. Upon request, we can include a SilverVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. For hammered silver, there is a special feature: do not polish to a high shine - the small indentations may remain darker, otherwise the structure disappears. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "martellato" mean?

It is the Italian word for hammered and the usual term used by the manufacturer for this surface. It always refers to handwork - a machine-stamped pattern repeats, a hammered one does not.

Is the hammer pattern the same on every piece?

No. The blows are made by hand - two coasters are similar but never identical.

Does every wine bottle fit?

Bottles of common Bordeaux and Burgundy shapes, yes. Very wide sparkling wine bottles may touch the base ring.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with Italian hallmark. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Is it also available polished?

Yes - as a smooth coaster with a mirrored wall, same size.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

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