Soup plate, 925 sterling silver, signed, round — approx. 26 cm

Among the Signature pieces, this plate is an exception: it is not made for display, but for eating from. Such plates were traditionally bought in sets, six or twelve pieces, and supplemented over generations. Anyone starting today can build up their place setting harmoniously over the years.

At a glance

• Round deep plate made of 925 sterling silver
• Diameter approx. 26 cm — silver weight approx. 0.5 kg
• Wide rim, entirely hand-chased: tendrils with small flowers
• Two continuous beaded bands — on the outside edge, on the inside at the transition to the well
• Deep, completely smooth well
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — Manufacture since 1948

Rim and Well

With a plate, two zones are distinguished: the rim, the wide edge, and the well, or in the case of a deep plate, the hollow. In this piece, the ratio is unusual: the rim occupies almost half of the diameter and bears all the ornamentation, while the well remains completely smooth.

This is not a whim, but function. What lies in the well — soup, risotto, a dessert — should be the focus, not compete with the pattern. And the smooth surface can be cleaned without residue, which would not be possible with a chased background.

The rim is hand-chased: the pattern is driven into the silver with punches, not stamped. Two fine beaded bands frame it — one on the outer edge, one at the transition to the well. They give the plate its clear silhouette on the charger.

Material and Origin

A silver-plated piece could not be produced in this way — the plating would tear under the punch. And it cannot be repolished indefinitely because the layer becomes thinner. Solid silver tolerates both: the handcraft during creation and the care over generations. The Italian hallmark of the manufacturer proves it.

Zaramella Argenti has been working in Padua since 1948. The Signature line is the richly chased signature of the house and includes not only plates but also trays, platters, and vases in the same ornamental language.

At the Set Table

A silver plate is rarely set alone. It stands on a charger, or it is itself the charger under a porcelain setting — both are common. As a soup plate, it comes for the first course, is cleared away, and makes room. Precisely this brief appearance is the reason why it is made of silver: it has full attention as long as it is there.

For a multi-course menu, it belongs in a series. Those planning to complete the place setting over time will find other forms in the line — flat platters, large serving plates, trays.

Engraving

The smooth well should be treated rather discreetly as an engraving surface: what is written there will later be covered by food. More common is a subtle engraving on the back or a monogram on the rim, placed in one of the quieter parts of the ornament. We will advise you on this upon request. Optionally, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding as the beginning of a place setting that grows over the years. For a silver wedding anniversary as an addition to what is already there. As a gift to someone who enjoys cooking well and for whom a plate is not just a utensil, but part of the evening.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher — cleaning salts attack silver, and moisture would remain in the chased depressions of the rim. Clean promptly after acidic foods. Tarnishing is normal and reversible with a silver cloth; the darker depth can remain in the depressions. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really eat from it?

Yes. 925 silver is suitable for food contact and was the material for upscale tableware for centuries. Clean by hand after eating.

Does it belong to a series?

It comes from the Signature line, which also includes trays and platters in the same style. A place setting can thus be harmoniously supplemented over time.

Does the plate get hot when soup is in it?

Silver conducts heat well — the plate takes on the temperature of the contents. Hold by the rim, like any soup plate.

Does cutlery scratch it?

Silver is softer than steel; fine signs of use appear over time. They form the patina that characterizes old silver pieces and can be professionally polished.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

A Place Setting Piece, Not a Showpiece

Among the Signature pieces, this plate is an exception: it is not made for display, but for eating from. Approx. 26 cm with a recessed center — the size of a regular soup plate, executed in solid sterling silver.

Such plates were traditionally acquired in sets, six or twelve pieces, and supplemented over generations. Anyone starting today should know: this piece is part of a line that also includes trays and platters in the same style. A place setting can therefore be harmoniously built up over the years.

And on its own? It also works then — as a tray on a dresser, as a bowl for fruit, as the one silver piece on an otherwise simple table.

You might also be interested in

Further tableware pieces can be found in Silverware & Silverware and among the Silver Trays. All pieces from the line are grouped together in the Signature by Zaramella category.