Silver

Crafted from the ores of the earth, silver is one of the most priceless metals discovered. As one of the seven metals of antiquity, this brilliantly lustrous metal distinguishes itself not only with its appearance but through its diverse uses.

Fascinated by the lustrous appeal, malleable and ductile nature, Italian silversmiths meticulously hand-hammered silver into a perfect reflection of the elegance and beauty.​

A flat sheet of silver can be melted, molded and refashioned into various forms and shapes. Silverware, the most common expression of silver craft, effortlessly enhances the overall aesthetics of the space while giving us the satisfaction of its ownership.

Artemest takes you on an exceptional journey to the discovery of Italian silverware; from delicately crafted everyday items to treasured pieces of personal indulgence. The enduring nature of silver ensures that the pieces will be valued by many generations.

The Italian silverware traditions are deeply rooted in its history. For centuries, Italian workmanship is counted as one of the finest in the world, and it only continues to grow in all its splendor.

The fascination for handmade silver goes back to early civilizations when it was first used as a form of coinage. With the monetary value added to this rare metal, it became a significant marker of wealth and prestige.

It was during the Italian Renaissance when talented silversmiths transformed mundane dinnerware objects into fashionable pieces of silverware. Extraordinary forms and decorative patterns on mirrors and vases continue to inspire until date. Passed down from forefathers, this craft appears to be rekindling the interests of many across the world. Silver candelabras and cutlery have served as great items of souvenirs and gifts for travelers.​

​Silver has traditionally been central to Italian celebratory occasions and sophisticated home décor. Italian traditions of “Well-laid table” are as important as their food. Most of the people today, tend to use silverware either to create modern ambiance with few strong items or to emulate the historic charm with ornate candelabras paired with a silver chalice.

Often priced higher than the other metals, the extravagant beauty of silver permeates through every piece of dinnerware. Besides its light and shiny appearance, silver, by the virtue of being a thermal conductor, keeps the flavors and aromas distinct.

​Pampaloni, a Florentine silver factory from 1902, continues its century-old mastery of processing of silver into elegant dinnerware and accessories. Known for his ‘fine silverware’, the intricacy and technicalities of metalworking are best represented by this fascinating tableware for formal dinners.

​Pestelli represents the last generation of silversmithing family that holds a generous amount of authentic Italian silverware charm. Founded in 1908, create unusual objects inspired by the taste and atmosphere of the past, for a modern and exclusive Wunderkammer. Extraordinary detailing of the handcrafted cufflinks and majestic set of salt & pepper bowls are a few of the rare finds.​

Italian Silversmiths, until today, continue to carry on the age-old technique of handcrafting silver. Apart from being time-intensive, silversmithing requires patience, attention to detail, and the proficiency of hands to manipulate a silver ore into marvelous objects.

The designs are cut from flat sheets of silver. A series of actions such as hammering, bending, beating, define the density of the material. One hammer blow at a time, and gradually the shapes start forming. Thousands of hammer blows and repeated annealing attain the finished shape.

Although the techniques of silversmithing are fairly the same, It is the individualistic approach of every silversmith that gives each piece its unique character.

The traditional approach of silversmithing inspires many silversmiths until date. It is characterized by the balance between innovation and respecting distinct elements from the past. Certainly, more decorative in nature, the designs feature elaborates ornate designs, either etched, chiseled by hand to add the sculptural detail. ​Argentiere Pagliai is a Florentine family retains elements from the century-old styles. Their remarkable detailing on the surface of ​Conchiglia Tiffany Shell, uniquely interprets the original Florentine model. ​Fratelli Lisi, dedicatedly creates intricate silverware, strongly influenced by traditional forms. The inimitable interpretations of flora and fauna, bring about a sense of historicity and “a touch of magic”.

​The contemporary approach to silversmithing is characterized by simple forms and clean lines and is a result of new curiosity and evolving taste. Perfectly blending fresh sensibilities of changing times, ​Zanetto best represents sophistication through clean surface finishes and avant-garde designs.

Blending new and ancient techniques, ​Petri Firenze creates decorative items with silver and other decorative materials such as shells, gemstones, corals and animal horns. The ebony jewelry box embellished with silver rhinoceros is a delight to see, hold and touch.

Discover our curated collections that include stunning and one-of-a-kind silver wonders. Explore candelabras and tabletop accessories that combine age-old traditions with modern tastes.