Dessert spoon for children, 925 silver, gold-plated – squirrel

This dessert spoon made of 925 sterling silver is fully gold-plated and combines two finishing techniques in one piece: a squirrel in fine gold engraving sits on the spoon bowl, framed by floral tendrils. At the end of the handle, it features a teardrop-shaped niello floral ornament on both sides – dark lines in the engraved silver that create a high-contrast frame to the warm gold. The motif is crafted in the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, Russia, one of the last workshops that still masters niello in this quality.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, fully gold-plated, niello decoration
• Motif: Squirrel (gold engraving, spoon bowl), floral ornament (niello, handle end)
• Dimensions: Length approx. 16.8 cm, width approx. 3.9 cm
• Weight: approx. 46 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern – Russian niello manufactory
• Hallmark: 925 silver stamp and manufacturer's mark of the artist
• Scope of delivery: 1 dessert spoon in a gift box
• Note: Dessert spoon format – larger than the children's spoons in the niello series (13 cm)

Material and workmanship

The squirrel sits upright on the spoon bowl, its bushy tail curved upwards, a nut between its front paws, surrounded by curved floral ornaments. The engraving is executed in fine gold lines and only reveals its depth upon closer inspection. At the end of the handle, there is a teardrop-shaped niello ornament on both sides: a stylized flower with leaves and tendrils in an almond-shaped frame, where the gilding is deliberately left out. Niello is an alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is applied as a dark paste into previously engraved lines and fired – one of the oldest finishing techniques for precious metals, with archaeological evidence dating back to antiquity. Over 15 work steps lead from engraving to melting the niello mass, grinding, polishing, and the final gilding. Unlike a lacquer, niello forms a chemical-physical bond with the silver and is therefore permanent and food-safe. Each spoon bears the hallmark of the executing artist.

The squirrel – diligence, foresight, and joie de vivre

The squirrel is one of the few animal motifs that are positively perceived in almost all cultures: it stands for diligence, foresight, and prudent provision, without losing the joy of the moment. In Slavic folk art, it is also considered a symbol of prosperity and energy – a nimble, clever animal that often appears as a wise advisor in fairy tales. For a gift for a birth, baptism, or start of school, it carries a message that goes far beyond the occasion: be diligent, think ahead, but don't forget the joy of life.

Dessert spoon instead of children's spoon – format and use

At 16.8 cm long and approx. 46 g in weight, this spoon is significantly larger than the children's spoons in the niello series (13 cm, approx. 23 g). The wider bowl (3.9 cm) is suitable for desserts, yogurt, muesli, or soups – a full-fledged dessert spoon for children of school age and for adults. Many families add it to a children's spoon from the same niello series: the smaller one for the first years, the larger one for later. Others deliberately choose it as a representative single piece.

Occasions and target groups

For birth and baptism, it is a representative silver gift with symbolic power that goes beyond the usual. For the first birthday or start of school, it grows with the child and can be used as daily cutlery from school age. Collectors of Russian silver art appreciate it as a fully gold-plated addition to their niello collection. For grandparents and godparents looking for a gift with cultural depth, this spoon is an alternative to common motifs.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Due to the niello ornaments on both sides and the full gilding, this dessert spoon cannot be engraved – there is no free space without compromising the overall artistic impression. Even without engraving, you can add a personal touch to the gift: on request, we can include an individual SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm, landscape) – digitally designed, suitable for the occasion, and currently free of charge.

Care

Clean the spoon exclusively by hand with warm water and mild detergent, then dry with a soft cotton cloth. Never use silver dips or aggressive cleaning agents – they can attack the niello filling and permanently damage the dark contrasts. The gilding does not require any special care, but should not be treated with abrasive cleaners. Not dishwasher safe. The supplied gift box is suitable for storage.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a children's spoon or a dessert spoon?
A dessert spoon. At 16.8 cm long and approx. 46 g in weight, it is significantly larger than the children's spoons in the niello series and is suitable for children of school age as well as for adults.

Can the spoon be engraved?
No. Both sides of the handle end feature niello ornaments, and the bowl has the squirrel motif – an engraving would destroy the overall image. As a personal alternative, we offer the free SilberVerse card.

Is niello safe for food contact?
Yes. Niello is a metal alloy that is firmly bonded to the silver and is chemically stable. The technique has been used since antiquity and is completely safe for its intended use.

You might also be interested in: More pieces can be found under Gifts for Birth and Gifts for Baptism.