Silver bombilla – the luxury choice for yerba mate connoisseurs
Yerba mate is not just a drink – it is a passion, a lifestyle and a ritual that more and more people are beginning to appreciate. If you are a yerba mate aficionado, you surely know that the right equipment for preparing and consuming the brew is of paramount importance. One of the indispensable elements of drinking mate is bombilla – the filtering tube through which you slurp the essence full of flavour and healthful properties. But not every bombilla is the same. What distinguishes bombillas made of silver? Is a silver bombilla a good investment or just a luxury gadget not worth the price? Find out by reading on!
Summary:
- What is a bombilla and why does the material of its manufacture matter?
- Silver bombilla vs. other materials – a comparison
- Silver bombilla – price and availability
- Why invest in a silver bombilla?
- Alternatives to silver bombillas
What is a bombilla and why does the material of its manufacture matter?
The yerba mate bombilla is a special tube ending in a filter that allows you to strain the grounds from the brew. It is an indispensable part of the ritual of drinking yerba mate – the traditional “tea” from South America. Although you can find bombillas on the market made of various materials – stainless steel, alpacca, bamboo, wood and even glass or plastic – the silver bombilla is a real gem among them!
Why is the choice of a silver bombilla worth considering? First and foremost because of its aesthetic qualities. Unlike bombillas made of stainless steel or alpacca, a silver bombilla has a unique, elegant sheen that acquires a distinctive patina over time. This makes each silver bombilla a unique, personal item that can last for many years. In addition, the unique properties of silver are worth noting. It is a metal that is not only precious, but also characterised by exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. What is more, silver is antibacterial, which means that using a bombilla made of this material is not only comfortable, but also hygienic. Unlike bombillas made of other materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, a silver bombilla does not absorb odours or flavours, ensuring the pure taste of each serving of yerba mate.
Silver bombilla vs. other materials – a comparison
Stainless steel or silver?
The stainless steel bombilla is the most common choice among beginner mateists – it is cheap, readily available and practical. However, it does not have the elegance and class that a silver bombilla provides. A tube made of silver is more resistant to scratches and fluctuating temperatures. What's more, silver conducts heat differently to steel, so such a bombilla does not get excessively hot – holding it in the mouth is much more comfortable.
Alpacca or silver bombilla?
Alpacca, otherwise known as “nickel silver” or “new silver”, is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. It is durable and affordable, but what it has in common with silver is only a visual resemblance. A silver bombilla is definitely a more luxurious and durable solution. Silver is a thoroughly noble material, which translates into its value and aesthetics – silver bombillas often have intricate embellishments that emphasise their unique character.
Bamboo, wood or silver?
Bombillas made of bamboo or wood (e.g. Palo Santo) are an eco-friendly solution that has its advocates. They are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, plus they introduce additional flavour and aroma notes to the brew – but their durability leaves a lot to be desired. Under heavy use, they can quickly become damaged or start to go mouldy if not washed and dried properly. A silver bombilla, on the other hand, is an investment for years – if properly cared for, it can even last a lifetime!
Silver bombilla – price and availability
Silver bombillas are a real treat in the yerba mate accessory market. They are rarely found in standard yerba mate shops – sourcing such an accessory requires patience and searching in niche places. Mostly, silver bombillas are made by artisans and jewellers who run small, local businesses. Consequently, they are unique products, often created by hand with great precision. If you're after a silver bombilla, it's best to start your search with jewellery studios, especially those operating in South America – where yerba mate is both a tradition and an art.
Here are some examples of silver bombillas and their prices (not small!) that we were able to find online:
Artisanal silver bombilla made by Gabriel Condurso of the Argentinian atelier Vakiano – price: $195. Simple, classic design with galloneados (cockerels) and peacock feather motifs.
A silver mate cup and bombilla set, also from Gabriel Condurso of the Vakiano studio – price: $825. This is an exclusive chalice-style set with a floral motif, perfect for true collectors!
A sterling silver bombilla from another Argentinian jewellery studio, El Boyero – price: $421. Made of pure silver and beautifully decorated, this bombilla is an example of masterful craftsmanship.
Finally, antique silver bombillas from around 1840, which can be seen at the Museo Histórico Cornelio de Saavedra in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These historical artefacts show how silver bombillas were part of the tradition of yerba mate drinking by the elite.
If you're looking for something more artistic and unique – it won't be an easy task! But it's worth hunting for silver bombillas in artisan galleries or ordering a bespoke piece.
Why invest in a silver bombilla?
There's no denying it – a silver bombilla is a high-end solution. But is it worth spending more? Here are a few reasons why such an investment makes sense:
- Exclusive style – a silver bombilla not only fulfils its practical function, but also makes an impression. It is a distinctive element that will definitely underline your good taste and love of detail.
- Hygiene and safety – thanks to the antibacterial properties of silver, you can be sure that your yerba mate bombilla will always be clean and safe to use.
- Durability – unlike bombillas made of bamboo or cheap metal alloys, silver does not corrode or lose its properties over the years.
- Exceptional taste of the brew – silver does not absorb odours or flavours, ensuring that each serving of yerba mate tastes exactly as it should.
Alternatives to silver bombillas
We have to admit – silver bombillas are an expense that not everyone can afford. If you're looking for something more affordable but still want great quality, you'll find a wide selection of stainless steel bombillas in our shop. Although they are not as exclusive as silver, they are characterised by their durability and elegant design and, most importantly, they perform their function perfectly during your daily yerba mate ritual.
For those who appreciate simplicity, we recommend the most popular “Mercedes” model, which stands out for its affordable price, classic design and convenient cleaning. The price of this model is just a fraction of the price of silver bombillas. You can find it here: “Mercedes” yerba mate bombilla.
However, if you prefer something more sophisticated, we recommend steel bombillas decorated with coloured stones. An example is the “Grande” model with red decoration – the perfect choice for those who want to add an original touch to their accessories. Bombilla with red stone is available here: “Grande” yerba mate bombilla.
Although the stainless steel bombillas available in our shop are not as exclusive as those made of silver, they are perfect for everyday use, providing comfort in drinking yerba mate. It is a solid and affordable solution that will satisfy every yerba mate lover!
The silver bombilla is a unique option for connoisseurs and people who particularly appreciate both luxury and tradition. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly solution for the moment, our range of steel bombillas is sure to appeal to your tastes. Whether you are just starting out with yerba mate or are already an experienced mateist, it is worth experimenting with different models of bombilla – each one will bring something new to your yerba mate drinking ritual!
Source of information:
- Wikipedia: Bombilla.
- G. Vasiliev et al., Synergistic antibacterial effect of copper and silver nanoparticles and their mechanism of action, Scientific Reports, 2023.
- vakiano.com.
- elboyero.com.
