Per the Kentucky Historical Society, "Samuel Ayres was born in 1767 and emigrated to Kentucky in 1784. He was a jeweler and silversmith in Lexington, Ky., starting in 1790. His silversmith business is listed in the 1806 Lexington City Directory as being on High Street and he apparently lived at the same address. In 1810 he built a home/shop on Main Street. In 1813, he entered into a partnership with another silversmith, John G. Hiter. This partnership apparently lasted until 1818. Ayres moved to Danville, Ky., in 1823 and died there in 1824." 

The sleek and classic design associated with the silver julep cup is accredited to early master silver smiths Asa Blanchard of Lexington, Ky and brothers William and Archibald Cooper of Louisville. Both firms produced julep cups and other silver items during the early decades of the 19th century -- from about 1805 until 1940.  Many more Kentucky-based silversmiths followed.

There are two main styles of julep cups:  one with a beaded rim and the other showcasing bands at the top.  Many heirloom silver julep cups are treasured family keepsakes, brought out for use with the mint juleps associated with the running of the Kentucky Derby horse race.