Gift set "Healer's Aid" 925 Silver Niello — Saint Panteleimon in a case

Some gifts are not for wearing, but for displaying. Some are not eaten, but drunk. And some are not looked at, but touched — as a small ritual every morning. This "Healer's Aid" gift set is exactly one such item: a silver water pendant with the image of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, the patron saint of healers, and a matching teaspoon with the same symbolism, crafted in genuine niello silver.

At a Glance

• Set: Holy Panteleimon Water Pendant + Teaspoon with Saint's Image, 2-piece in case
• Material: 925 Sterling Silver with genuine niello silver
• Motif: Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon (Patron Saint of Healers) + Orthodox Cross
• Total silver weight: approx. 49.4 g (pendant + spoon combined)
• Case: Navy blue, velvet-lined
• Dimensions: upon request (datasheet does not contain outer dimensions)

Material and Workmanship

The water pendant features an oval medallion with the image of the Saint in niello technique on the front and an Orthodox cross with inscription on the back, connected to a second, smaller round pendant on a delicate silver chain. The teaspoon has a classically curved handle with an oval finial: the image of St. Panteleimon in niello on the front, and the Orthodox cross with the Cyrillic inscription "Св. Влмч. Целитель Пантелеимон" (Holy Great Martyr Healer Panteleimon) on the back, with the bowl highly polished for the daily ritual.

What you see on both pieces is genuine niello inlay: black sulfur-silver mass, melted into engraved silver, filed flush, and polished. The black sits flush with the silver, deep and shiny like fresh ink on paper. This niello tradition from Veliky Ustyug has been documented in writing since 1683; the SevChern manufactory continues it to this day. The black niello background makes the silver saint figure stand out sculpturally.

Usage and Occasions

Panteleimon was born a physician in Nicomedia around 275, converted to Christianity, and treated the poor without charge. Since then, he has been considered the patron saint of doctors, healers, caregivers, and all who are sick. In the Orthodox Church, he is one of the fourteen Holy Helpers, his feast day is August 9, and in Russia, he is one of the most revered saints.

As a baptismal gift, the set is a classic godparent gift in the Orthodox tradition — a piece of silver with a saint's image that becomes a family heirloom over the years. Those named "Panteleimon" or "Pantaleon" will especially appreciate this gift on August 9. As a sign of sympathy for someone who has recovered from an illness, the spiritual gesture will be understood even by non-practicing recipients. The set is also suitable as a professional gift for doctors, nurses, and midwives, as well as a godfather or godmother gift for confirmation or chrismation.

Hanging the pendant in a water glass or carafe is a centuries-old Russian ritual tradition. With this set, the spiritual meaning is added to the traditional gesture: the pendant bears the image of the patron saint of healers, and the carafe thus becomes a small home altar for Orthodox families.

Care

925 Sterling Silver with genuine niello silver: Niello sits flush with the silver and, with normal care, lasts for generations. Clean the pendant and spoon only by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth; never put them in the dishwasher. If the silver surfaces tarnish, a soft silver polishing cloth without abrasive will restore the shine without affecting the niello. Do not place the water pendant in hot or acidic water; rinse and dry thoroughly after use. Wipe dry after use and store in the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Saint Panteleimon?

An early Christian physician from Nicomedia, who died in 305. Patron saint of doctors, healers, and the sick, one of the fourteen Orthodox Holy Helpers. Feast day is August 9.

Is the niello real?

Yes, it is niello silver from Veliky Ustyug, made using the sulfur-silver inlay technique, crafted by the SevChern manufactory. Niello is not silver sulfide tarnish, but a melted inlay mass that lasts for generations.

Can the spoon be used daily?

Yes, that is the intention. The spoon is robust 925 Sterling Silver. Please clean by hand only; never put it in the dishwasher.

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