The Mariposa Brillante Collection

By Stephen Dahl

Offering a truly eclectic assortment of fine-quality serveware and tableware, Mariposa was founded by Livia Cowen, an avid collector of handcrafted glassware, ceramics, flatware, and aluminum pieces. Since its inception, the company has enjoyed its headquarters in Manchester-by-the-Sea, a small but charming coastal town in Cape Ann, Massachustetts.

Livia, the founder, travels the world to meet with master artisans in remote villages, observing their handicraft before bringing their innovative, one-of-a-kind designs back to the United States to make available to quality-conscious consumers like you. Mariposa also employs some of its own designers, who collaborate directly with regional artisans. With only 30 employees, the Mariposa Company fosters a sense of family-oriented camaraderie and teamwork.

This striking assortment of sand-cast aluminum serveware includes ice buckets, ornate platters, decorative candleholders, stately picture frames, salad accessories, and more. A wide range of styles, themes, and textures ensures something for every entertaining style. Designed by sculptor Michael Updike, each piece in the Mariposa Brillante collection is hand-cast to achieve a gleaming silver finish.

The process of sand-casting just one piece of Mariposa serveware is a laborious and painstaking process, involving the forming of metal molds, careful grinding and buffing, and hand-polishing. Each Mariposa gift item is created by hand one at a time, with each piece taking over an hour to forge. The handmade nature of each Mariposa gift results in a truly unique and distinctive piece.

Caring & Use of Your Mariposa Serveware:

Proper use and maintenance of your sand-cast Mariposa gifts helps to ensure their longevity and beauty over the years. Below are some tips for extending the life of your Mariposa Brillante items:

Before placing salty or acidic foods on the surface of a Mariposa plate or tray, cover the metal's surface with a light coat of cooking spray or food-safe vegetable oil.

Avoid cutting food directly on your serveware or tableware, as this can easily scratch the surface of the metal.

Due to its thermo regulating properties, your Mariposa serveware makes an excellent warming or cooling tray. Simply heat or chill its surface prior to serving food.

Never put your Mariposa gift serveware in the dishwasher or microwave, as excessive heat can cause dullness and discoloration in your fine metal pieces.

Hand-wash your Mariposa Brillante serveware in warm water with a mild soap detergent immediately after each use. Hand-dry immediately to prevent any standing water from damaging the metal.

To preserve the natural brilliance of your Mariposa gift, it's fine to occasionally apply a gentle metal polish.

Mariposa at Silver Gallery

We're pleased to offer a vast assortment of hundreds of Mariposa serveware pieces. Our collection includes plates, platters, candlesticks, and much more-perfect for gracing your own tabletop or serving as a timeless wedding gift. Learn more about fine Mariposa gifts at http://www.silvergallery.com/mariposa/