Coffee service Hopfen 925 silver Niello & gold plating – 2 people

There are coffee sets that you use, and there is this one that you display. The Hopfen coffee set, crafted from 925 sterling silver, combines niello hand-engraving, partial gilding, and fine Imperial porcelain to create a service for two that imbues every detail with quiet luxury. The Hopfen (hops) motif, one of the most distinctive in the niello tradition, adorns the cup holders, saucers, and spoons — dark niello black against warm gold, a harmony that requires no further embellishment.

At a Glance

• Set contents: 2 teacups (silver holders with porcelain inserts), 2 saucers, 2 teaspoons, 1 teapot, 1 sugar bowl, 1 milk and cream jug
• Teacup (each): D 55 × W 72 × H 59 mm, 50 ml, approx. 39 g
• Saucer (each): D 100 × H 12 mm, approx. 92 g
• Teaspoon (each): L 93 × W 21 mm, approx. 13 g
• Teapot: D 82 × W 135 × H 176 mm, 550 ml, approx. 420 g
• Sugar bowl: D 73 × W 116 × H 107 mm, 250 ml, approx. 254 g
• Milk and cream jug: D 73 × W 107 × H 86 mm, 250 ml, approx. 205 g
• Total set weight: approx. 1.1 kg
• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, gilding, niello, high-quality porcelain
• Collection: Hopfen, country of origin Russia
• Hallmark present, engraving available upon request

Material and Craftsmanship

The Hopfen design is created through a multi-stage process: each line of the hop tendrils is first individually hand-engraved into the silver. Then, the traditional niello alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur fills the engraving with deep black — not a print, but a permanent bond with the metal itself. Selected areas are then gilded, giving the tendrils a warm, distinctive glow. The coffee cups are crafted as cup holders from 925 silver with gilded handles and accommodate an Imperial porcelain insert, which allows the beverage to retain its pure taste, while the silver frame provides stability and elegance. This combination of porcelain insert and silver cup holder is a hallmark of sophisticated Russian coffee culture.

Use and Occasions

This coffee set truly shines where tea and coffee ceremonies are consciously celebrated: during an evening for two, an elegant tea hour, or a small private ritual in the salon or by the fireplace. It makes an ideal gift for company anniversaries, weddings, special birthdays, or as a prestigious gift for business partners. Collectors appreciate the rare combination of niello, gilding, and porcelain, hosts and connoisseurs value it as a permanent part of their home decor, and those who give it as a gift pass on a value that remains culturally, materially, and emotionally significant.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Individual engraving is available upon request. Optionally, we can also accompany your gift with a SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape photo format — a personal dedication, currently free of charge, that adds an extra, unique touch to this set.

Care Instructions

Please clean exclusively by hand; do not use a dishwasher or aggressive cleaning agents. For the silver surfaces, a soft polishing cloth is recommended. The porcelain can be cleaned separately with mild dish soap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the cup have a porcelain insert?
The porcelain insert is taste-neutral, so your coffee or tea tastes as it should. The silver cup holder provides the decorative frame and ensures stability — a combination typical of Russian silver tableware.

What is niello silver, and where does this technique come from?
Niello is one of the oldest finishing techniques for silver. A dark alloy is inlaid into engraved ornaments, creating a permanent black-and-silver contrast that does not fade.

Can I expand the Hopfen collection?
Yes, there are matching sets for 2 and 6 people, as well as individual saucers and spoons from the same collection.

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