Stem glass 925 silver, interior gilded — approx. 18 cm, Inglese

A silver champagne flute has one drawback that you should be aware of: you can't see the bubbles. However, it has two advantages that a glass flute doesn't offer – it stays cold longer, and it lasts a lifetime. When weighing one against the other, people usually decide based on the occasion.

At a Glance

• Stem glass made of 925 sterling silver, gilded inside
• Height approx. 18 cm – silver weight approx. 169 g
• Slender conical bowl, high stem with spherical knop
• Round profiled base, mirror-polished, without ornamentation
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua – Manufacture since 1948

Why the Knop is on the Stem

The thickening in the middle of the stem is called a knop and originates from medieval chalice construction. It's not just decorative: It provides a secure grip for the hand without touching the bowl. This is crucial for a chilled drink – every finger on the bowl warms the contents.

This applies doubly to silver, as the metal conducts heat so well. Anyone who holds a silver glass by the bowl will notice the difference in just a few minutes.

The Internal Gilding

Sparkling wine, champagne, and wine are acidic. Gold does not react with anything – which is why the inside is gilded and the drink does not come into contact with silver. Without this layer, a silver glass would simply not be suitable for acidic drinks. From the outside, the piece remains pure silver.

Why the Bowl is Conical

A champagne flute tapers downwards so that the carbon dioxide has a long way to travel upwards – the higher the column, the longer it sparkles. You can't see this with silver, but you can taste it: The shape influences how quickly a sparkling wine goes flat, regardless of whether the vessel is transparent. The narrow opening also retains the aroma above the liquid.

Material

A drinking vessel isn't polished, it's held – and in the same spot, every time. With silver-plated items, the stem is where the plating wears through first, because fingers and thumbs rub there with every use. Solid silver doesn't have this problem: what wears off is still silver. The Italian hallmark of the manufacturer indicates the material.

What it's Suitable For

For sparkling wine, champagne, and effervescent wine; also for still wine if drunk cold. The manufacturer refers to the shape as Inglese – the same understated line as the bottle opener and the Inglese champagne cooler.

If you're looking for ornamentation, you'll find it among the silver drinking glasses – there are pieces from other houses that feature decoration where this glass remains smooth.

As a Gift

Silver glasses are rarely given individually, but rather in pairs or as a set that grows over the years. For a wedding, two is the usual start; one is added for each subsequent anniversary. This makes this glass a gift with a continuation.

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

Care

Hand wash with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Do not use silver polish on the gilded interior – it will damage the gold layer; rinsing and drying are sufficient there. The exterior can be polished. More information in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the sparkling wine stay cold in it?

Longer than in glass, if the glass is pre-chilled – silver absorbs and retains the cold. If taken unchilled from the cupboard, the opposite is true, and the metal will warm the contents more quickly.

Does silver change the taste?

Not with this piece – the inside is gilded, so the drink does not touch silver.

Is it suitable as a Kiddush cup?

Yes, provided the size is appropriate. However, the specially crafted cups with a base are more commonly used for this purpose.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with an Italian hallmark, gilded inside. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

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