Water carafe 925 silver gold-plated nectar

A water carafe made of 925 sterling silver with a niello motif of peony vines and golden bees, with gold plating on the handle, spout, and base. Crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, it holds 1,500 ml — enough for a full table service. The combination of polished silver, deep black niello, and warm gold makes this carafe from the Nectar collection a standalone piece for the table, suitable for daily use as well as for a silver wedding anniversary.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, partially gold-plated
• Technique: Niello inlay with flower and bee motif
• Dimensions: D 120 × W 180 × H 260 mm
• Capacity: 1,500 ml
• Weight: approx. 1,060 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Engraving: customizable upon request
• Delivery: in a gift box
• Purity: 925 sterling silver

Amidst lush peony vines that run across the belly of the carafe in deep niello black, golden bees and butterflies are embedded — as if they had just harvested nectar from the flowers. The hinged lid features a gold-plated knob, and the handle, spout, and base are likewise gold-plated. This gilding is not decoration for its own sake: it consciously sets accents against the dark niello and bright silver, so that three material levels combine to form a complete picture.

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is an inlay work from the depth of the metal, not a coating. First, the motifs are engraved into the silver, then a black inlay is melted into the lines, sanded flat, and polished — like ink in silver. It forms a single unit that does not peel or fade. This technique reached its peak in the 17th century in Veliky Ustyug — silversmith families passed the knowledge down through generations. The SevChern studio still works in this tradition today; each carafe goes through more than 15 work steps from the silver plate to the finished piece. The contrast between polished 925 silver, dark niello, and warm gold is the true work of art of this carafe.

Use and occasions

With 1,500 ml, the carafe is intended for the large table — for water as well as juice or wine. 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% fine silver and does not affect the taste. As a gift, it is especially suitable for a silver wedding anniversary — 25 years of marriage, accompanied by the motif of flowers and bees collecting nectar together. Also suitable: a milestone birthday, the housewarming of a new home, or the anniversary of a partnership. The Nectar collection is designed to be modular — matching cups from the same collection can be ordered individually, allowing a complete table service to be built piece by piece.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The polished silver between the decorative bands offers space for a personal engraving — a date, initials, or a short dedication. Engraving is customizable upon request, just talk to us. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm photo format — individually designed to match the occasion and free of charge.

Care

A soft cloth and lukewarm water are sufficient for daily care. Do not use silver dip baths — these aggressive cleaners can attack the niello inlay and the gold plating. The niello itself is not a layer of lacquer, but is firmly bonded to the silver and therefore very robust. No dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions

How do I care for a silver carafe with niello decoration?
A soft cloth and lukewarm water are sufficient for daily care. You should avoid silver dip baths, as they can attack the niello inlay and the gold plating.

What exactly is niello silver?
Niello is a black inlay that is melted into engraved lines, sanded flat, and polished — like ink in silver; it bonds permanently with the base metal. The result is a deep, graphic contrast — like ink burned into silver.

Is this carafe suitable as a silver wedding gift?
Yes. 25 years of marriage fit well with a gift made of genuine 925 silver, and the motif of flowers and bees collecting nectar together further emphasizes this occasion.

You might also be interested in

Further pieces for the festive table can be found in our Tableware & Silverware collection. If you are looking for the right idea for a special occasion, you will find what you are looking for in our Gift Ideas.