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Shine & Mystery: Your look behind the scenes of the blog series SilverStories

Glanz & Geheimnis: Dein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Blog-Serie SilberGeschichten - Premium Geschenkideen

Niello – The hidden art of silver

With our new blog series “Silver Stories,” we open the door to a centuries-old technique that combines bright silver and deep black patterns into a work of art.

Glamour & Mystery – Your look behind the scenes

Have you ever wondered what secrets and stories lie behind an elegant piece of silver? We'll take you into the fascinating world of niello—and show you step by step why this technique continues to fascinate today.

What awaits you in the next parts

  • Part 1: What is Niello & where does it come from?
  • Part 2: How is a Niello masterpiece created?
  • Part 3: Why does this ancient art still live today?

Niello not only refines jewelry, but also hip flasks, shot glasses, silver trays and entire silverware sets.

Part 1: Shine meets darkness – The mysterious art of Niello

Niello—often called "Northern Darkening"—is an alloy of sulfur, copper, silver, and lead. It is incorporated into the finest engravings, melted, and polished. The result is a striking contrast reminiscent of an elegant black and white engraving. In Russia, niello became the hallmark of silver art—from jewelry to tobacco tins to tableware.

Example from our collection: Elegant Niello hip flasks in 925 silver – decorative and suitable for everyday use.

Part 2: From Design to Masterpiece – The Journey of a Niello Silver Piece

  1. Design & Engraving: Filigree patterns are carved into silver with a steady hand.
  2. Applying the powder: The mixture of silver, lead, copper and sulfur fills the engravings.
  3. Heating: The powder fuses permanently with the silver.
  4. Polishing: Excess is gently removed until black and silver contrast perfectly.

Example from our collection: Filigree Niello shot glass sets – small masterpieces for the home bar.

Part 3: Old Art, New Splendor – How Niello Survives in the Present

Today, modern silversmiths preserve the technique and reinterpret it, creating pieces that combine tradition and modernity – from minimalist motifs to opulent ornamentation.

Example from our collection: Elegant coffee and tea sets with niello design that bring Russian silver tradition to your table.

Questions & Answers about Niello

How do I recognize real Niello?
Genuine niello features permanent, deep black engravings that are firmly fused to the silver—no varnish, no paint.
Is Niello still used today?
Yes. Silversmiths around the world are reinterpreting the technique – in jewelry and luxury silverware.
Which products are decorated with Niello?
Traditionally jewelry and icons, today also hip flasks, shot glasses, trays, and coffee and tea services.

Discover a treasure for today

Niello combines craftsmanship, history, and modern elegance. Owning a Niello piece isn't just about silver, it's about owning a piece of culture.

Discover Niello masterpieces made of 925 silver now – from hip flasks to shot glasses to elegant service pieces.

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