The only use of ashtrays is to place ashes of cigarette in it. Ash trays are manufactured with various materials such as of brass, porcelain, plastic, tin, cloisonné, satsuma, silver, old English, bone china, copper, iron, pottery, alabaster, glass, shell, wood, and many combinations of these materials. The silver ashtrays are embellished with handcrafted, carving and needlework.

In India, most probably it is manufactured in all over the country but silver ashtray is specially made in western India such as Maharshtra and Karnataka. Silver ashtrays are very valuable. It is used as a gift item and can be gifted to friends, relatives and colleagues. At least a few silver ashtrays are antiques by its shape, sizes and colours.