Baptismal bowl 925 silver 9x10cm Madrid

As the water flows over your godchild’s head, it rests for a moment in this shell — and from that moment on, the child carries that instant within them. The Madrid baptismal shell, made of 925 sterling silver, combines two of the oldest Christian symbols in one piece: the shell as a sign of the journey and the cross as a sign of faith. A gift that is not only beautiful, but tells a story.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, polished
• Shape: Shell shape with a separate cross motif
• Size: approx. 9 × 10 cm
• Weight: approx. 19 g
• Origin: Made in Italy
• Purity: 925 sterling silver

You are holding the finest 925 sterling silver in your hands, carefully polished to a high shine. The curved contour of the shell forms the body of the bowl, while a distinct little cross rises from the upper edge — discreetly placed and clearly recognizable without cluttering the design. Weighing approximately 19 g and measuring about 9 × 10 cm, the shell sits comfortably in the hand, feeling substantial rather than delicate.

Material and Craftsmanship

925 sterling silver means at least 92.5 percent fine silver, with the remainder being an alloy that gives the material hardness and stability — enough to last for generations, yet soft enough to shape the fine wavy lines of the shell with the plasticity you see here. The shell is crafted by Italian silversmiths, in a country with a long tradition of liturgical and tableware silver. At SilberKosmos, we see ourselves as curators: we select items worthy of this occasion and bring them to you — we do not have our own manufacturing facility, but rather make a carefully considered selection.

As the Madrid is produced in small quantities, delivery times may vary depending on demand. Reordering is possible at any time — just contact us if you are planning to gift this piece for a specific date.

Use and Occasions

The shell is one of the oldest symbols in Christianity. It is reminiscent of the scallop shell, the badge of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago — and the idea that every life is a kind of pilgrimage that begins with baptism. In iconography, John the Baptist often pours water over Jesus’ head using a shell; this gesture has become deeply ingrained as an image in Christian baptismal depictions. The cross beside it needs little explanation — it is the central sign of faith, a symbol of remembrance, connection, and hope all at once. Where both symbols appear together, as with the Madrid, a small, self-contained story of faith is created: the path and the destination, the journey and the anchor.

This connection makes the shell a gift that points beyond the day of the baptism itself. It accompanies the ceremony—whether an infant or adult baptism, celebrated in a Catholic or Protestant tradition—and remains in the family afterward as a keepsake. It is equally appropriate for a name day, confirmation, or as a forward-looking gift for a birth if the baptism date has already been set. Since the shell and cross are gender-neutral, the Madrid is suitable for both girls and boys.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

The Madrid can be engraved with a name, baptism date, monogram, or a short baptism verse. The smooth surfaces on the back and inner edge are well-suited for this; we are happy to coordinate the exact placement with you before the order is placed so that the engraving and motif harmonize perfectly.

If you choose to have it engraved, we will gladly include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm, landscape) — individually designed for the occasion, the child, and the godparent; a small, unique gift at no extra charge. Just let us know who the card is for and who it is from, and we will take care of the rest.

Care

After use, simply rinse the shell with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then dry it with a soft cloth. If a light patina develops over time, a silver polishing cloth will help — be careful to work without pressure in the area of the engraving and the cross motif. For storage, use the included gift box or a velvet pouch to protect it from air and friction. This piece is not dishwasher safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the combination of shell and cross mean? The shell represents the pilgrimage of life that begins with baptism, and the cross represents the faith that accompanies this journey. Together, both signs form a complete, small emblem for baptism.

Can the shell be engraved? Yes. The back and smooth inner surfaces can be engraved with a name, baptism date, monogram, or verse. We will advise you on the appropriate placement before the order.

Is the Madrid also suitable for a Protestant baptism? Yes, the shell is intended to be ecumenical and is suitable for Catholic and Protestant celebrations, as well as for free churches and home baptisms.

You might also be interested in

You can find more items for the day of baptism in our Baptism Gifts collection. If you are looking for a suitable addition or a completely different idea, take a look at our Gift Ideas.