Silver tray 925 silver signature square — approx. 48×48 cm, tendril border

The matted background is the actual feature here: A roughened surface scatters light instead of reflecting it — the vine work stands out as a result without having to be chased deeper. On a polished surface, the same ornament would be lost in reflections.

At a glance

• Large square serving tray made of 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions approx. 48 × 48 cm — silver weight approx. 2.1 kg
• Curved arc contour on all four sides and corners
• Rim entirely chased: vines with individual blossoms on a matted background
• Large smooth center with rounded corners
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Vine on a matted background

The ornament of this tray utilizes a trick that only becomes apparent up close: the vines themselves are polished and shiny, while the background behind them is matted — roughened with fine punch marks. The contrast between the shiny ornament and the dull background allows the vine to stand out without needing to be deeply embossed.

The technique is called chasing: the pattern is driven into the silver by hand using punches, and the matting is done with a specific, fine-grained punch. Both are manual labor, which is exactly why no two surfaces are exactly alike.

Individual, calmly placed blossoms sit between the vines — they give the dense vine work breathing room. The arc contour of the edge follows the movement of the ornament, rather than presenting a straight edge against it.

Material and origin

With a piece of this type, the material determines the feasibility: The chased rim could not be produced on plated material — it would tear during the chasing process. And a tray that is in use can only withstand polishing if the silver is solid throughout.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. Their signature is the richly chased line of the house.

The format

Approx. 48 × 48 cm — this carries a carafe with eight glasses, the complete coffee service for six, or a large cheese selection. On a square dining table, it mirrors the shape of the table; on a long banquet table, it sets a point of rest in the middle.

It is too large for everyday use for two people. It is a piece for occasions when more people are sitting at the table — and in the time between, an object on the sideboard that does not need to be put away.

Square on the table

The square is the organizing shape at the table. It aligns with table edges, can be placed next to a second one, and fills a corner where a round shape always leaves empty space. On a long banquet table, a square tray sets a point of rest around which the table is set.

Anyone who collects silver over the years also notices: square pieces stack better. Where round platters tilt against each other, square ones lie flat on top of each other — a banal, but in everyday life, decisive advantage.

Engraving

The center is large, flat, and free of ornaments. For a coat of arms, a monogram, or a multi-line dedication with a date, it offers one of the better surfaces in our range — and the square shape naturally provides support for a centered engraving. Engraving after checking the piece: add the engraving service to your cart right away, and we agree size and position with you after your order. The flat fee is refunded if engraving cannot be carried out. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding as a communal gift from multiple guests. For a silver wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, or a company anniversary. With a piece of this size, the question of durability does not arise — it outlasts the occasions for which it was gifted.

Care

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 recesses. For the matted background, the following additionally applies: do not use polishing paste — it would smooth the fine roughening and destroy the contrast that defines the ornament. A soft silver cloth is sufficient. More in the guide on caring for silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

What does matted background mean?

The background behind the ornament is roughened with a fine punch and therefore does not shine. This allows the polished vines to stand out. It should not be polished.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with a material weight of approx. 2.1 kg of material weight, no plating, hallmarked.

Is the tray also available smaller?

Yes — as approx. 45×45 cm with palmettes and as approx. 42×42 cm. Of the same size, the tray with a shell edge is also available.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacture.

Two trays of 48 centimeters

The line carries two square trays of this dimension, and they are easy to confuse:

• this one — with a vine border on a matted background; the ornament runs flat across the edge
• the tray with a shell edge — more three-dimensional, with a pronounced edge contour

The matted background is the actual feature here. A roughened surface scatters the light instead of reflecting it; the vine work stands out as a result without having to be chased deeper. On a polished surface, the same ornament would be lost in reflections.

It is smaller in the tray with approx. 45×45 cm and in the square one with approx. 42×42 cm.

You might also be interested in

Further formats in silver trays, the entire assortment in table silver & silver tableware, as well as the carafes & pitchers. All pieces in the line are gathered together in the category Signature by Zaramella.