Box “Like in a fairytale” – A royal masterpiece made of 925 sterling silver

Silver Jewelry Boxes: Where Fairytales Meet Craftsmanship

There are objects that you do not simply possess — you cherish them. The "Fairytale" jewelry box is one of these rare pieces: a work of art made from 925 sterling silver from the SevChern workshop in Veliky Ustyug, which blurs the line between a jewelry box and goldsmith art. In 2025, the jury of a Russian professional competition unanimously awarded it the highest honor in its category.

The Carriage Form: Why this design?

The shape is no coincidence: it is reminiscent of the Cinderella fairy tale, in which the fairy transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent carriage — hence the round, bulbous body. The movable wheels, the ornate lanterns, and the lid with its pearl crown tell a story that goes far beyond mere functionality.

Shiny and matte surfaces, dense niello ornaments, and partial gilding alternate, emphasizing the rounded form of the piece.

What makes the niello decoration special

Niello is one of the oldest refining techniques in the goldsmith's art. A dark alloy is melted into hand-engraved ornaments — at SevChern, there are about 15 work steps involved in a single piece. The result is a contrast between the bright silver and the dark decorations, which gives every piece an unmistakable depth.

Today, only a few workshops have mastered this technique. The Veliky Ustyug niello tradition has been documented since 1683. It is still continued in Veliky Ustyug today. Every engraving, every ornament is created by hand — and that is exactly what you can see and feel.

Material and details

The "Fairytale" box is made of 925 sterling silver with partial gilding. The lid is crowned by a hematite cabochon in a wreath of pearls; further dark cabochons are set in the wheel hubs, complemented by citrines and cubic zirconia. The interior is gilded — an object that you don't just see, but feel.

Who is this box intended for?

The box appeals to three target groups: collectors who appreciate art objects made of precious metal. People looking for an extraordinary gift — for a wedding, an anniversary, or as an expression of special appreciation. And lovers of fine jewelry boxes who are looking for a work of art for a display case or vanity — a piece that can later become a family heirloom.

A custom engraving request is possible upon inquiry — for niello pieces, we clarify every request individually with SevChern. You can find out how our engraving service works in the article Engraving service for silver gifts.

Craftsmanship that cannot be rushed

In an age where most products are made by machines in seconds, a niello box takes time. That is not a disadvantage — it is the reason why you can see the craftsmanship. Engraving, niello, gilding, and setting the stones require experienced hands. The result is not a mass-produced item, but an object with character.

Anyone who has held niello silver in their hands understands the difference. The depth of the dark ornaments, the contrast with the polished silver, the weight of the precious metal — all this cannot be digitally reproduced. It must be experienced.