Children's Cup, 925 Silver with Squirrel Motif — Niello, 125 ml

Not every children's gift has to choose between pink and blue. This children's cup made of 925 sterling silver features a squirrel, framed by floral elements and an ornate band—a gender-neutral motif that suits girls and boys alike. The image is permanently incorporated into the silver using Niello, no print, no sticker. For anyone looking for a christening or birth gift that is not tied to a specific gender yet still tells its own story.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, highly polished, with Niello decor
• Motif: Squirrel with floral elements, all-around ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: approx. 95 g
• Shape: round base, loop handle
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: possible on request
• Gift box: included

Material and Craftsmanship

Niello is not a color or lacquer, but a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into finely engraved depressions. The squirrel, the floral elements, and the ornamental band are first hand-engraved into the silver, then the Niello mixture is heated and applied. After cooling, the surface is polished until the deep black Niello is precisely flush with the gleaming silver. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia—a manufactory whose Niello works have been documented since 1683. Curated for SilberKosmos, so that this rare craftsmanship finds its way to German families.

The Collection

125 ml is the right size for small children—a larger cup would be harder to control. The loop handle sits securely in small hands, with a diameter of 68 mm, a height of 57 mm, and a round base, giving the cup a compact, stable shape. Approximately 95 g is a balanced weight for a solid silver object: sturdy enough without being too heavy. Unlike silver-plated children's dinnerware, the entire piece here is made of 925 sterling silver—the same material inside and out, the same durability.

Special Features and Symbolism

The squirrel is one of the most popular animal motifs for children—curious, nimble, skillful, always in motion. It gathers, plans, acts proactively. On a child's cup made of 925 silver, this motif takes on a different quality than on fabric or paper: it is permanent, unchangeable, part of a piece that grows with the child. The floral elements and the ornamental band frame the figure and give the cup a composition that acts as a whole—a typical feature of Niello works from Veliky Ustyug.

Occasions and Target Groups

The squirrel motif is deliberately gender-neutral and suits girls and boys equally. As a christening gift, birthday gift, or memento of birth, it has its own language: nature, vitality, a small creature discovering the world—just like the child to whom this cup is given. Suitable for godparents, grandparents, and anyone who doesn't want to commit to blue or pink yet. Further inspiration can be found in our christening gifts and birth gifts.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Upon request, the cup can be engraved: a name, a date, a short sentence. An engraved children's cup thus becomes a piece that uniquely belongs to this child and this moment. Those who wish can also combine the cup with a SilberVerse card: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, individually designed, currently free of charge.

Care

925 silver with Niello decor is easier to care for than many think. Hand washing with warm water and mild dish soap is sufficient, a soft cloth is enough for drying. No dishwasher, no aggressive cleaning agents. A slight tarnish can be removed with a silver polishing cloth—the Niello itself is resistant to normal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is food safe and suitable for daily use. The Niello is permanently embedded in the silver and will not be damaged by normal use.

What is Niello—and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is a metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions. After polishing, it sits flush with the silver surface—firmly bonded to the metal, not applied.

What does the squirrel motif mean?
The squirrel stands for curiosity, diligence, and skill—a lively creature exploring the world, much like a child in its early years.

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