Baby spoon, 925 sterling silver, gold-plated – Niello rabbit

This baby spoon made of 925 sterling silver combines gilding and niello technique: a rabbit joyfully playing a drum is depicted in fine dark niello lines on the warmly shimmering, gilded handle. It is suitable as a gift for birth, christening, or a first birthday. The rabbit symbolizes joy of life, fertility, and new beginnings.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling silver, partially gilded, niello embellishment
• Finishing: Niello motif on gilded background, hand-engraved and inlaid with niello alloy
• Motif: Rabbit with drum
• Length: approx. 10 cm
• Weight: approx. 12 g
• Collection: Niello silver (Russian engraving and enamel tradition)

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is a dark alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is inlaid into previously engraved ornaments, creating a high-contrast image on the gilded background. The process begins with the engraving of the motif, then the niello compound is heated, applied into the depressions, smoothed, and polished. Only then is the gilding of the remaining surfaces applied. The motif shows a rabbit with attentively erect ears, playing a drum with obvious joy – the dark niello lines stand out strikingly against the warm gold.

Occasions and target groups

For a birth as a first silver gift, bringing a rare art form into the child's life – the rabbit symbolizes new beginnings. For a christening for godparents looking for a gift with substance and history. For a first birthday as a keepsake that retains its value over the years. For grandparents and collectors who appreciate tradition and the rarity of the niello technique.

SilberVerse card

The niello decoration completely covers the handle, a subsequent engraving would damage the motif and is therefore not possible. As a personal touch, we offer a free, digitally designed SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm (landscape format).

Care

After use, rinse by hand with warm water and mild dish soap and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, silver dips, or chemical cleaners, as these can attack the niello filling. Over time, the niello filling may take on an even deeper color – this is not a defect, but a sign of authenticity. Not dishwasher safe.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is niello and why is it so rare?
Niello is one of the oldest finishing techniques for silver. A dark alloy is inlaid into engraved ornaments and becomes part of the metal itself – it cannot chip or fade. The technique is almost extinct in Europe.

Is engraving possible on this spoon?
No. The niello decoration completely covers the handle – a subsequent engraving would damage the motif.

Can the gilding wear off?
With normal handling and correct care, the gilding will last for decades.

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Further inspiration can be found in our christening gifts and birth gifts.