Teacup “Tradition” – 925 silver gold-plated with niello and hand engraving (140 ml)

Some objects bring an entire ritual back into everyday life. This teacup from the "Tradition" collection is one such object: a pedestal base made of 925 sterling silver, warmly gold-plated on the inside, and encircled on the outside with a band of niello ornamentation. Whoever picks it up is holding not just a simple drinking vessel, but a piece of Russian silversmithing tradition intended for afternoon tea just as much as for those moments when a gift is meant to be meaningful.

At a glance

• Diameter: Ø 79 mm
• Width (incl. handle): 107 mm
• Capacity: approx. 140 ml
• Weight: approx. 129 g
• Material: 925 sterling silver, gold-plated interior, niello decoration
• Collection: Tradition
• Origin: Russia
• Purity: 925 sterling silver

Material and workmanship

The body is made of solid 925 sterling silver and features a circumferential band of niello ornamentation on the outside – a technique often called "ink in silver." A black inlay is melted into fine, pre-engraved lines, ground flat, and polished. The result is not an applied lacquer, but a permanent bond that lasts and gains contrast with every polish. The pattern of the "Tradition" cup features a dense floral relief that covers the entire body, framed by a narrow golden braided border. The inside of the cup is fully gold-plated, which protects against tarnishing and makes any hot drink appear to glow in warm gold. The base and the curved handle are also gold-plated, while the central body contrasts the matte silver-white with the dark niello. The cup is produced in small quantities by Russian artisans; backordering is generally possible should the desired piece be out of stock.

Usage and occasions

With a capacity of approx. 140 ml, the "Tradition" cup is designed for conscious enjoyment – for tea in the afternoon, for coffee in small quantities, or for that festive moment when an ordinary cup simply wouldn't suffice. Its pedestal base is reminiscent of a small goblet, making it a natural eye-catcher on a table, in the light of a display cabinet, or as a centerpiece next to a candle. It is just as suitable for hospitality as it is for a quiet personal ritual. As a gift, it is perfect for weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or as a gesture for someone who appreciates Russian silver art. If you wish to assemble a complete set, you will find the matching teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, teaspoons, and lemon fork, as well as a silver tray in the same niello design, in the "Tradition" collection – collectible piece by piece without any obligation to purchase a full set.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving on the gold-plated and niello-decorated surface is only possible to a limited extent and must be coordinated directly with the workshop – please inquire before ordering about which areas are suitable for this. Regardless of this, we can include a personal "SilberVerse" card (15 × 10 cm) upon request: an individually designed card with a personal message, tailored to the occasion and the recipient, free of charge. Simply enter your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup exclusively by hand using warm water and a mild detergent, then pat dry gently. Please do not apply pressure or abrasive cleaners to the gold-plated interior or the niello decoration – a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient to maintain its shine. The cup is not dishwasher safe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have the "Tradition" teacup engraved?
Only to a limited extent. Since the surface is gold-plated and decorated with niello, engraving is only carried out in consultation with the workshop. It is best to ask before ordering which surfaces are suitable for this.

What makes the niello decoration so special?
Niello is a millennia-old technique in which a black inlay is melted into engraved lines, ground flat, and polished – like ink in silver. It bonds firmly with the silver and actually becomes more beautiful over time, as the contrasts deepen with polishing.

Are there other pieces in the "Tradition" collection?
Yes. In addition to the teacup, you will find other pieces from the line in our Tableware & Silverware section – such as a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, and teaspoons in the same niello design, which can be complemented piece by piece into a complete service.

You might also be interested in

If you are looking for further tableware in the same spirit, take a look at our selection of Tableware & Silverware – there you will find matching pots, bowls, and cutlery from Russian workshops. If you are looking for more general inspiration for a special gift, it is worth browsing our Gift Ideas in 925 Sterling Silver.