Silver tray 925 silver signature round — approx. 46 cm, cartouche rim

The rim does not feature a continuous pattern but is instead divided into large cartouches — curved leaf panels that line up alongside one another. This has a practical side effect: a framed panel is the classic area for an engraving, whereas a continuous ornament leaves little room for a dedication.

At a glance

• Large round serving tray in 925 sterling silver
• Diameter approx. 46 cm — silver weight approx. 2.15 kg
• Rim divided into curved leaf cartouches
• Wavy outer contour that follows the ornament
• Smooth round mirror with a peripheral stepped edge
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Cartouches instead of a continuous band

Most round silver trays feature a continuous ornamental band. This one is constructed differently: its rim is divided into cartouches — self-contained, curved panels that meet each other. Each panel has its own outline, and the tray’s outer contour follows these outlines instead of forming a smooth circle.

The difference is clear to the eye: a continuous band leads the eye around in a circle. Division into cartouches causes it to pause — panel by panel. This gives a piece of this size a sense of calm that a continuous pattern would not have.

The work is chased by hand: driven into the silver with punches, stroke by stroke. The leaf forms within the cartouches are worked out in varying heights, so that light moves across the rim.

Material and origin

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

Zaramella Argenti has been producing in Padua since 1948. Their signature is the house's richly chased line.

The stepped edge

Between the rim and the mirror runs a peripheral step — a narrow, vertical ledge. It is not mere decoration: it catches anything that might slide on the mirror and makes the tray more rigid. A sheet of silver of this span without a reinforcing edge would bend under load.

Visually, it cleanly separates the busy rim zone from the calm center and makes the mirror appear larger than its actual measurement.

What it is used for

Round means: no front side. On a round table, in the middle of a dining table, or on the coffee table, the tray is viewed equally from all sides and can be turned rather than passed around. Approx. 46 cm can hold a carafe with six glasses, a cheese selection, or a candle arrangement.

On a sideboard, it becomes a permanent surface that is not cleared away — with a carafe and glasses on it, it creates a static composition.

Silver in use

A tray of this size is not used every week — and that is precisely its role. It marks the occasions when more people are sitting at the table. In between, it stands on the sideboard and is not put away.

Silver that is used ages more beautifully than silver in a cabinet: the raised areas remain bright because hands and cloths brush over them, while the recesses darken. This contrast creates the depth that distinguishes old tableware from new. A piece that remains locked away for decades, by contrast, tarnishes evenly and looks dull.

Engraving

The mirror is round, level, and free of ornaments. A centered engraving — monogram, coat of arms, or date — sits in the middle without competing with the rim. Engraving after checking the piece: the engraving service goes straight into your cart, and we decide scale and position together with you after your order. If engraving is not possible, we refund the flat fee. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card (15 × 10 cm) free of charge.

Occasions

For a wedding, a silver wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, or a company anniversary. As a joint gift from multiple donors. A piece of this size is not replaced, but passed on.

Care

Clean 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 trapped in the cartouches — especially at the stepped edge, where water collects. Tarnishing is a normal reaction to sulfur in the air and is reversible with a silver cloth; the darker tint may remain in the recesses. More in our guide on caring for silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cartouche?

A self-contained ornamental panel with its own outline. Instead of a continuous band, several such fields line up to form the rim.

Does the rim hold liquid?

No. The stepped edge catches items that might slide, but it is not a bowl wall. The tray is intended for serving and presentation.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with a material weight of approx. 2.15 kg of material weight, no plating, hallmarked.

Is the tray available with a different rim?

Yes — in the same diameter as a tray with a lily rim and as a tray with a shell rim. The shape is the same; the rim motif distinguishes them.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

Two round trays, one size

The line offers two round trays at approx. 46 cm that differ only in the rim motif:

• this one — with cartouches, i.e., framed panels that divide the rim into sections
• the tray with a lily rim — continuous floral motif instead of framed panels

A third round piece of the same diameter is the tray with a shell rim, which is crafted with acanthus leaves. Those who prefer a square shape will find it in the square tray (approx. 42×42 cm).

Cartouches have a practical side effect: they are the classic surface for an engraving. Where a continuous ornament leaves little space for a dedication, a framed panel provides the perfect border for one.

You might also be interested in

Further round and square formats in the silver trays category, the entire range in tableware & silver dishes, and the carafes & jugs. All pieces in the line are gathered together in the Signature by Zaramella category.