925 Silver Saint Michel Photo Frame — 10×15 cm, oval, engravable

Oval frames have gone out of fashion and have therefore become rare — unfairly so. An oval guides the eye differently than a rectangle: It has no corners where the eye gets caught, and it nestles around a face instead of boxing it in. The Saint Michel is one such oval, made of 925 sterling silver and framed by a delicate beaded border.

The oval shape — made for portraits

The oval is the classic portrait shape. Anyone wanting to showcase a single face will have more success with this than with a rectangle: The frame picks up the curve of the head and allows the edges of the image to taper off more softly. This is exactly why children's portraits have been framed in ovals for centuries.

The beaded border runs as a single fine row around the opening. The remaining surface remains smooth and curved, so that the light travels along the edge — an effect that does not exist with a straight frame.

Material and craftsmanship

925 sterling silver, highly polished. The oval shape is more demanding to produce than the rectangle, because the beaded border must run evenly around a curve without bunching up. Crafted by Zaramella Argenti in Italy, since 1948.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The wooden back is perfect for an engraving — initials, a name, or a date. Regarding the smooth silver surface below the image opening, we will check an engraving with Zaramella; it would look calm there without disturbing the curve. Simply order the engraving service along with it; after your order, we will clarify placement and font size with you and refund the flat fee if an engraving is not feasible.

Upon request, we will include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format — individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and free of charge; it can also be ordered without an engraving.

What occasions is the Saint Michel suitable for?

For a christening, where the oval has a long tradition. For a birth, when the first portrait is to be framed. For starting school, because the school photo is a portrait anyway — and in this form, it looks less like an ID photo. Further formats and shapes can be found in the frame collection.

Frequently asked questions

Which photo size fits?

A 10 × 15 cm photo. The oval cutout crops the corners — subjects should therefore be centered.

Can the frame be engraved?

Yes: safely on the wooden back, or on the smooth silver surface below the opening after verification with Zaramella.

Is the oval also available in a larger size?

Yes, in the 15 × 20 cm format.

Does the silver tarnish?

Sterling silver reacts with the air and darkens over time. A soft silver polishing cloth removes the tarnish. How best to care for children's silver can be found in our care guide.