Bottle coaster, 925 silver with gold rim — approx. 14 cm

Two metals in one piece, and the boundary between them is razor-sharp: a wide gold ring on the outside, a shimmering silver base on the inside. The reason why both work together without appearing chaotic is due to the division—the gold frames, the silver supports. The manufacturer calls the model Cardinale.

At a Glance

• Bottle coaster made of 925 sterling silver, rim gilded
• Diameter approx. 14 cm — silver weight approx. 109 g
• Wide gilded outer rim, narrow stepped ring to the mirrored surface
• Flat plate shape, mirror-polished center
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948

Why Only the Rim is Gilded

A fully gilded piece would be easier to produce—you dip it, and it's done. Partial gilding requires a precisely fitting cover, otherwise the edge frays. The effort lies in the dividing line, not in the gold layer.

In terms of content, the division has a purpose: a uniformly gold coaster would distract from the bottle label. The ring, on the other hand, acts like a passe-partout—it frames what is in the center and recedes itself.

Where the Name Comes From

The manufacturer calls the model Cardinale. The name refers to cardinal red, which in ecclesiastical decor is traditionally accompanied by gold—a wide golden rim around a light center is a recurring motif there. Transferred to a coaster, the division remains: the heavy frame on the outside, the calm surface on the inside.

What the Gilding Practically Means

Gold does not tarnish. Where silver darkens over time and needs to be re-polished, the gilded rim remains as it is. For a piece that is frequently handled, the rim is precisely the part that suffers most easily—here it is protected.

Material

The gilding is on solid silver, not on base metal—that is the difference that only becomes apparent after years. With silver-plated goods, there is a second thin layer under the gold layer, and where two layers are on top of each other, the lower one eventually detaches. Here there is only one boundary: gold on silver. The Italian hallmark identifies the material.

What It Is Suitable For

For wine, sparkling wine, and water bottles of any design—the flat shape does not dictate a diameter. It fits at a table where gilded utensils are already present, and makes a deliberate accent on a purely silver one.

In the same flat design, but entirely in silver, there is the simple coaster with approx. 14.5 cm. Those who want a raised wall can find it on the smooth coaster.

As a Gift

Bicolor has become rare—most houses offer either silver or gold. If you want to give someone something that doesn't fit into an existing collection but stands next to it, this is the right choice.

An engraving is possible on the silver mirror; we advise against it on the gilding because the engraving would cut through the layer. We advise in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Do not use silver polish on the gilded rim—it attacks the gold layer. The rim needs nothing more than a damp cloth anyway, because gold does not tarnish. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the gilding wear off?

Not with normal use. It is on the rim, where nothing rubs—unlike the inside of a cup that is wiped daily.

Is it real gold?

Yes, an electroplated fine gold coating on the silver. The core of the piece is consistently 925 sterling silver.

Does every bottle fit on it?

Yes—the surface is flat, there is no ring that dictates a diameter.

Is it also available without gold?

Yes—as a flat coaster entirely in silver, same design, approx. 14.5 cm.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality manufacturer's packaging.

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Other pieces for wine and table in the category Gifts for Wine Lovers as well as in Table Silver.