Silver tray 925 silver gold-plated oval

An oval tray made of 925 sterling silver, depicting three worlds on one surface: a mirror-polished silver center, a warmly gilded frame with Baroque ornaments, and the dark contours of niello that give the gold its design. An object for a space that can be still for a moment.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver (solid, hallmarked)
• Surface: high-gloss polished silver center + galvanic gilding (0.5 micron)
• Decoration: engraved Baroque ornaments, chasing, niello inlays
• Weight: approx. 975 g
• Dimensions: approx. 41.5 x 28 cm (L415 x W280 x H10 mm), oval
• Outer rim: structured beaded pattern, chased
• Hallmark present (925 silver stamp)
• Engraving/personalization possible upon request

Material and craftsmanship

This oval silver tray is a composition of three clearly defined zones. The central area belongs to light: polished 925 sterling silver brought to a mirror finish, without engraving, without ornament. This blank space is deliberately placed – it reflects glasses, carafes, light and expands the room. The frame is the opposite: dense, warm, dynamic. Gilded 925 sterling silver, engraved and chased with classic Baroque patterns – acanthus leaves, volutes, leaf and tendril motifs. Niello, a black-blue, matte inlay, sits embedded in the engravings, giving the gold its contour. Without niello, the gilded frame would blur into itself; with niello, every tendril, every leaf, every volute gets its clear finish. The design is completed by a structured outer rim with a chased beaded pattern – a classic signature of Russian silversmithing. The galvanic gilding with a thickness of 0.5 microns is the last step: it is only applied after the engraving and chasing of the frame are complete, sealing the engraved lines permanently against oxidation. Niello itself is one of the oldest finishing techniques in goldsmithing – its history goes back over 3,000 years and is still alive in the Russian silversmithing tradition today. At approx. 975 g, the tray feels noticeably heavy in the hand – solid sterling silver from surface to base, not a lightweight construction.

Use and occasions

In a private bar or lounge, the tray carries carafe and glasses, while the polished center reflects the light and colors of the contents. In a representative reception room, it works as a standalone object even without contents – on a console, a sideboard, a dark desk. 925 sterling silver with niello inlays and galvanic gilding is food-safe, so the tray can actually be used for serving. As a gift, it is suitable for company anniversaries, honoring a retired CEO, for a wedding or silver wedding – an object that one displays, shows, and keeps.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

A personal engraving can be applied to the polished central surface – a name, a date, a dedication, a monogram. Upon request, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) – individually designed, suitable for the occasion and currently free of charge.

Care

A soft silver polishing cloth is suitable for the polished silver central surface. Clean the gilded surfaces with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid chlorine-containing cleaners, dishwasher cycles, and silver dipping solutions. With regular care, the contrasts between the gilded frame and niello will deepen and become more pronounced over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which processing techniques were used for this tray?
Solid 925 sterling silver as the base body, engraving of the ornaments, chasing for plastic deepening, niello inlay in the engraved depressions, as well as galvanic gilding (0.5 micron) of the frame and high-gloss polishing of the central surface with a chased beaded outer rim.

What does gilding 0.5 microns mean – how durable is it?
Galvanic gilding with a 0.5 micron layer thickness means a gold layer permanently bonded to the silver base body. With correct care, this gilding lasts for many decades, additionally protected by the niello in the ornamental lines.

Is the tray food-safe and suitable for serving?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is a classic food contact material, as are the fired niello inlays and the galvanic gilding. The tray is suitable for cold food and drinks as well as the presentation of glasses and carafes.

You might also be interested in

Silverware & Silverware made of 925 Silver

Gift ideas made of 925 Silver