35 stores in this directory sell kiddush cups and silver Judaica. Most are general Judaica retailers; others include artists and designers who make their own pieces. Every listing links to the store's own site, and each fact on it comes from a dated source.
What to look for
Size matters more than style. The cup should hold a revi'is of wine. Opinions differ on the measure: Halachipedia cites 3.2 fluid ounces by Rav Chaim Na'eh's measure and 4.42 ounces for Friday night by Rav Moshe Feinstein's, and suggests treating 4.4 ounces as the measure for kiddush.[1] Decorative cups vary in capacity, so ask for it in ounces or milliliters, or fill the cup with a measured amount at home. Ask your rav which measure your family follows.
Whole and clean. The cup should be complete and rinsed. Chabad.org notes it is not respectful to use a chipped cup to sanctify Shabbat.[2] Glass and ceramic cups are fine but can chip; a metal cup can last for generations.
Sterling or plated. Sterling silver is usually marked 925 or "sterling." Silver-plated and electroformed pieces look similar for less money but are not solid silver. Ask the store, and check the marking.
Which kind of store
- General Judaica retailers carry the widest range: becher sets, kiddush fountains, children's cups and everyday pieces.
- Artists and designers make their own cups. Go here for a bar mitzvah, wedding or heirloom gift.
- Personalized gifts: use the Engraving and Personalization filters, then confirm the details with the store.
Questions to ask the store
- What is the capacity in ounces or milliliters?
- Is it solid sterling, plated or electroformed? What does the marking say?
- Is engraving offered, in Hebrew and English, and how much time does it add?
- How should it be cleaned and polished?
Timing
Kiddush cups are classic gifts for a bar mitzvah, an aufruf or a wedding. Engraving and handmade pieces take time, so order a few weeks before the event and ask the store for its current turnaround.
Sources
- Kiddush – Halachipedia
- What Are the Kiddush Basics? – Chabad.org