Elijah Cup 925 silver signature partially gold-plated — approx. 28.5 cm

The same goblet as its counterpart entirely in silver — with one difference that follows a rule: only the parts that stand out in relief are gilded. The free-standing leaf tips on the bowl, the leaves on the node, the flourishes on the base. The flat ornamentation in between remains silver.

At a glance

• Eliyahu goblet in 925 sterling silver, partially gilded
• Height approx. 28.5 cm, base approx. 12 cm — silver weight approx. 0.89 kg
• The plastically protruding parts are gilded
• Node on the stem, stepped base on volute feet
• Interior fully gilded
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Why the gold follows the relief

Partial gilding can be applied in any way — as a band, a surface, or a pattern. On this goblet, it follows a clear rule: what stands out anyway is gilded.

This is more than a matter of taste. The free-standing leaf tips on the rim of the bowl are the parts that catch light from the side and cast shadows on the surface. Gold enhances this effect: it reflects warmer and darker than polished silver, making the height difference between the tip and the background even more pronounced.

Anyone who sees both versions side by side will recognize it immediately: with the silver goblet, the eye has to look for the relief. With the gilded one, it is instantly there.

How partial gilding is created

The goblet is first completely finished — chased, the leaf tips worked out, and polished. Only then are all areas that are to remain silver covered, and only the exposed parts are gilded.

With plastically protruding parts, masking is the real work. A flat surface can be neatly masked; a free-standing leaf tip has undersides, edges, and undercuts. If the gold runs where it shouldn't, the work is ruined.

The fifth goblet

On the Seder evening, four goblets of wine are on the table to be drunk from — representing the four promises of redemption. A fifth is filled but not drunk: the Kos shel Eliyahu. It belongs to the prophet whose coming heralds the future redemption; towards the end of the evening, the front door is opened to welcome him.

Because this goblet stands visible throughout the evening, the gilding is particularly effective here: by candlelight, the golden tips stand out clearly from the silver.

Material and origin

The advantage of solid silver over silver-plated ware is twofold with a goblet: chasing only works in solid silver — a plating would tear during hammering — and the interior gilding protects exactly where one cannot polish. A goblet that is filled over decades needs both.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The ornaments of the Signature line are chased — driven into the silver by hand with punches.

As a gift

For a wedding, as a commemorative gift, for a major anniversary. A partially gilded goblet is the more representative choice compared to the version entirely in silver — visibly more elaborate, without appearing ostentatious, because the gold follows the form instead of covering it.

Engraving

The smooth edge of the base remains as an engraving area. With a base diameter of approx. 12 cm, it is generously proportioned — enough for a name with a date or a short Hebrew line. We will advise you in advance. Upon request, we will enclose a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — including the inside. No dishwasher. Dry-wipe only on the gilded parts: gold is softer than silver, and polishing paste would damage the thin layer. Work carefully around the free-standing leaf tips; hold the goblet by the node or base, not by the rim. More in the guide on caring for silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Does the gilding wear off?

Not with normal use. The gilded parts are raised and are only dry-wiped when cleaning. You should avoid scouring agents and polishing paste.

How does it differ from the silver model?

Only in the gilding. Form, dimensions, and weight are identical — the plastically protruding parts are gilded.

Is there a matching plate?

Yes — the partially gilded plate approx. 24×24 cm, crafted in the same style. As a complete set, we offer the set of both pieces.

Is the goblet kosher?

We carry silver items and describe their use — we cannot provide a religious legal ruling. Questions regarding ritual suitability should be answered by your community.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

Same form, two versions

This goblet and the simple goblet with node have the same form — same height, same stem, same chasing. The difference lies solely in the partial gilding: here, the raised parts of the ornament are coated with fine gold so that the pattern stands out from the silver surface.

What belongs with it:

• the partially gilded plate approx. 24×24 cm in the same style
• the set of goblet and plate
• one size larger: the Jumbo partially gilded at approx. 33 cm

The gilding is not a paint application, but a metallic layer on the silver. It does not tarnish — unlike the silver parts, which darken over time. It is precisely this contrast that makes the ornament stand out more clearly over the years, instead of fading.

For the rest of the year, this goblet is the most suitable of the series for display: because gold does not tarnish, the ornament retains its tone even when the surrounding silver darkens. A piece that becomes more contrasting in the display cabinet over the years instead of becoming dull.

You might also be interested in

Other ritual items in the Judaica in 925 silver category, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. Why this goblet is so much larger than one used for drinking is explained in Silver at the Jewish table.