Coffee cup with hops design, 925 silver, niello and gold plating – hand-engraved

The Russian double-headed eagle or the hop leaf in niello black explain at a glance what this coffee cup is all about: uncompromising craftsmanship. The Hopfen cup, crafted from 925 sterling silver, features a continuous ornament of hop cones and leaves, deeply engraved into the silver, inlaid with niello, and refined with gold. The interior is fully gold-plated—every sip of espresso or mocha meets a warm, golden glow before reaching the silver of the wall. Those looking for a coffee cup that stands out from mass-produced items will find a piece here that bears the hallmark of the Hopfen collection throughout.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gold plating, niello engraving
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 55 × W 73 × H 35 mm
• Capacity: approx. 50 ml
• Average weight: approx. 54 g
• Special features: Hand-engraved niello, fully gold-plated interior
• Origin: Russia
• Fineness: 925 sterling silver

Material and craftsmanship

This coffee cup is crafted entirely from 925 sterling silver—no porcelain insert, just solid silver from the wall to the handle. The collection's hop motif runs as an engraved band around the body, with each leaf and cone individually carved. A classic niello alloy is melted into the grooves: a compound of silver, copper, and sulfur that fuses with the base metal at high temperatures and remains visible as a deep, permanent black after polishing. It is a chemical-physical bond, not a lacquer or coating, which is why the engraving does not change even after years of use. The cup's interior is fully gold-plated, giving it a warm, bright sheen while drinking and providing a contrast to the dark exterior decor.

Usage and occasions

With a capacity of around 50 ml, the cup is intended for espresso, mocha, or a small, strong coffee. It is just as suitable for the moment after a meal as it is for a quiet break in the study or by the fireplace. As a gift, it is perfect for those who take coffee culture seriously—for a birthday, as an addition to an existing Hopfen set, or as a standalone collector's item. Even in the office or as a representative piece at a conference table, it makes it clear that quality is prioritized over quantity.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Individual engraving is possible upon request—please contact us before ordering so we can discuss the surface and execution together. Additionally, we offer the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm (landscape) photo, designed to match the occasion and the recipient, at no extra cost—a personal gesture that completes the gift.

Care

Silver must be cleaned exclusively by hand—no dishwashers, no abrasive agents. For daily care, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. The gold-plated interior should be handled with extra care, as gilding is more sensitive to mechanical stress than polished silver. Store in a dry place, preferably in its gift box.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the interior gold-plated?
The gold plating protects the silver surface in direct contact with the beverage and simultaneously creates the characteristic golden glow that provides a warm contrast to the dark niello exterior decor.

Is this cup part of a larger set?
It is designed as an individual piece but belongs to the Hopfen collection and can be combined with other items such as spoons, saucers, or a carafe featuring the same motif.

How does this cup differ from the version with a porcelain insert?
This version is crafted entirely from solid 925 sterling silver, whereas another variant in the Hopfen collection features a porcelain insert within a silver frame. Both share the same hop motif but differ in weight, feel, and price.

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You can find more table pieces in our Tableware & Silverware collection. If you are looking for the perfect gift idea for a special occasion, you will find it in our Gift Ideas.