Dessert knife 925 silver gold-plated Astra Non-Niello

A dessert knife that speaks gold: The handle made of 925 sterling silver features a delicate floral engraving, completely without dark filling. What remains is the warm gleam of the gilded silver and the play of light and shadow in the leaf tendrils – a piece for those who prefer a bright and festive table setting.

At a glance

• Handle: 925 sterling silver, gilded, floral engraving without niello filling
• Blade: stainless steel
• Length: 199 mm
• Width: 16 mm
• Weight: approx. 30 g
• Collection: Astra Non-Niello
• Hallmarking: 925
• Delivery: Gift box

The handle is created at SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where the Veliky Ustyug niello tradition has been documented since 1683. In the non-niello version, the engraving remains open: instead of the black niello inlay, the gilded silver surface itself is revealed, and the depth of the ornament is created solely by polishing and light reflection. The blade is deliberately made of stainless steel – silver is too soft for blades, does not hold an edge, and would warp when cutting. The handle carries what you see and feel in your hand, while the blade performs the daily task. Together, both create a dessert knife that is as valuable as it is practical for everyday use.

Material and Workmanship

925 sterling silver is the standard for high-quality table silver: a silver content of 92.5 percent, combining hardness and dimensional stability with the typical warm luster. In the Astra Non-Niello line, the handle is completely gilded before the floral engraving is applied. The ornament is identical to that of the Astra Black variant – only here the recess remains open instead of being filled with the black niello compound. The result is a handle that shimmers exclusively in gold tones, without the dark contrast of classic niello pieces.

Use and Occasions

As a dessert knife, this piece is intended for cakes, fruit, and light desserts – the narrow blade is not made for solid meat. Gilded silver is particularly suitable for occasions where gold plays the main role: golden weddings, milestone anniversaries, festive birthdays. Those who own or plan to acquire the Astra Gold dessert fork will find a matching counterpart in this knife – both share the golden base tone and floral ornamentation, even if the fork also features a niello filling.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Additional engraving on the handle is only possible to a limited extent, as the surface is largely covered by the floral ornament – inquire before ordering whether there is still space for a short dedication. As a personal addition, we recommend our free SilberVerse card: an individually designed photo card in landscape format 15 x 10 cm, which gives the gift a very special, personal touch.

Care

Clean the gilded handle with warm water and a soft cloth, without abrasive cleaners – aggressive cleaners can damage the gilding. The stainless steel blade is more robust, but can also best be wiped with a damp cloth. We advise against using a dishwasher for both materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Non-Niello mean for this dessert knife?

The engraving on the handle corresponds to the Astra Black variant, only the dark niello inlay is missing. The ornament remains openly engraved and shows the gilded silver surface – this makes the handle appear brighter and consistently golden.

Is the blade also made of silver?

No, the blade is made of stainless steel. This is standard worldwide for silver cutlery, as pure silver is too soft for blades. The 925 sterling silver handle provides the visual and tactile quality, while the blade performs the function.

Does the knife match other Astra pieces?

Yes, especially the Astra Gold dessert fork, which features the same floral ornamentation. A harmonious, consistently golden table setting can also be created with other Astra Non-Niello pieces.

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