Liturgical vessels

Chalice restoration — process, gilding, timing and cost

The chalice is the most important liturgical vessel — over time the gilding of the cup wears away, the silver tarnishes and the knop and base loosen. Professional restoration brings back its brilliance and full liturgical function.

When a chalice needs restoration

The most common signs are worn or darkening gilding inside the cup, a dull and discoloured surface, small dents, a loose knop and an unstable base. Older chalices may also have losses in the engraving and missing decorative parts.

How chalice restoration works

We begin every object with an inspection and quote. Then we work in stages:

• disassembly and careful, safe cleaning,
• mechanical repairs — soldering, straightening, stabilising the knop and base,
• filling losses and recreating missing details,
• gold electroplating of the inside of the cup, in line with liturgical requirements,
• polishing, reassembly and quality control.

Timing and what affects the price

A typical chalice restoration takes 2 to 4 weeks. The price depends on the scope of repairs, the size and grade of the silver, the need to recreate parts, and the type and thickness of plating. We always prepare an individual, no-obligation quote.

Why Argentum

We are a family workshop with five generations of jewellery tradition and our own electroplating facility. We also restore monstrances and reliquaries and make vessels to order. See examples in our work gallery.