Coffee and tea cup 925 silver Niello 105 ml

There are mugs for a quick gulp on the go — and there are mugs that turn the moment itself into a ritual. This coffee and tea cup made of 925 sterling silver clearly belongs to the latter. The wide, flat shape follows the Russian-Oriental drinking tradition, in which a larger surface area brings the tea to drinking temperature faster. On the outside, a dense band of floral tendrils in niello blackening wraps around the wall, while inside, high-gloss polished silver greets you. For those who take their time with coffee or tea.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions: approx. D79 × W100 × H61 mm
• Volume: approx. 105 ml
• Weight: approx. 116 g
• Shape: wide, flat tea shape with arched handle
• Decoration technique: Niello (traditional blackening)
• Motif: encircling floral vine band with geometric serrated dividing line
• Surface: silk-matte outside, high-gloss polished inside
• Scope of delivery: 1 cup, gift box

Material and workmanship

The body of this cup is made entirely of 925 sterling silver — no plating, no surface alloy, but solid silver from the inside out. The encircling band of floral vines is hand-engraved and filled with niello: a dark metal alloy that is melted into the fine engraving lines and bonds inseparably with the silver. Unlike an applied paint or lacquer, niello cannot flake off — it has become part of the metal. A geometric serrated line separates this dense main ornament from a narrower second strip, giving the surface a clear rhythm between organic floral elements and geometry. Inside, the cup shows high-gloss polished silver — the contrast between the silk-matte outer wall and the reflective interior is intentional and clearly noticeable when drinking. The SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia, continues this engraving and niello tradition to this day.

Use and occasions

At around 105 ml, this cup is generous enough for a double espresso or lungo and is also classically dimensioned for a strong tea. The wide, flat shape is no accident: In the Russian-Oriental tea culture, strong black tea or chai is traditionally served in such bowls because they cool down faster and are therefore ready to drink sooner. As a gift, this silver cup is suitable for occasions that are meant to last just like the material itself — for a wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, a jubilee, or as a Christmas gift for someone whom an ordinary mug does not do justice. Those who collect 925 silver coffee and tea cups themselves will find a model here with one of the densest ornamentations in the range.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Upon request, we can engrave a personal dedication on the cup — a name, a date, a short sentence that will last. Additionally, upon request, we will include an individual SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm), designed to match the occasion and free of charge. This turns the cup into a gift with its own little story.

Care

Hand wash with lukewarm water and a mild detergent — the dishwasher is generally not a good idea for silver. The niello pattern is permanently melted into the metal and is resistant to normal cleaning; nevertheless, it is worth avoiding scouring sponges. A soft cloth is sufficient for daily care, a silver polishing cloth helps with tarnish. Store in a dry place away from light, and the cup will remain beautifully unchanged for years.

Frequently asked questions

Is 925 sterling silver real silver?
Yes. The number 925 indicates the fineness: 92.5% silver and stands for a material that is strong enough for everyday use. This is the internationally recognized standard for high-quality silver tableware.

Is the cup also suitable for tea, not just coffee?
Yes, even particularly well. The wide, flat shape originates from the Russian-Oriental tea culture and is sized at 105 ml, making it ideal for a strong tea or chai.

What distinguishes niello from a normal engraving?
With a pure engraving, the depression remains in the metal tone. In the niello process, a dark alloy is additionally melted in, which bonds firmly with the silver — the result is a permanent, deep black that cannot flake off and gains contrast with every polish.

You might also be interested in

Further pieces for the laid table can be found under Tableware & Silverware. Anyone still looking for the right gift idea for a special occasion will also find what they are looking for in our gift ideas.