Silver tray 925 silver gold-plated Niello

Six leaf-shaped medallions in deep niello black float on a matte silver background, connected by delicate golden tendrils: This round silver tray made of 925 sterling silver relies on a more open principle than classic niello bands — the ornaments do not fill the surface, they rest on it.

At a glance

• Diameter: 202 mm
• Height: 12 mm
• Weight: approx. 345 g
• Material: 925 Sterling silver with electrolytic gilding and niello
• Gilding thickness: 0.5 microns
• Surface: matte silver, brushed (not high-gloss)
• Niello motifs: 6 leaf-shaped medallions with ornamental internal filling, all-around
• Gilded elements: outer rim, connecting tendrils between the medallions, inner separating ring
• Hallmark: present
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

The matte silver, finely brushed surface remains deliberately large and open — no continuous band, no dense ornament. Instead, six almond-shaped cartouches of deep niello black are evenly distributed, each offset by 60 degrees. Each bears its own filling pattern of fine lines and rosettes. Gilded tendrils run between the medallions, connecting the six cartouches like an ornamental thread.

925 sterling silver means 92.5% fineness, alloyed with 7.5% copper. The hallmark confirms fineness, manufacturer's mark SevChern, and Russian origin. Niello is a metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is hand-melted into engraved depressions and ground flush after cooling — firmly anchored in the silver, not applied, not removable. The gilding is an electrolytic layer of 0.5 microns on the silver, warm and durable, as long as it is not mechanically abraded.

The difference to polished high-gloss silver is more than optical: Matte silver reflects light more calmly and evenly, shows fingerprints and minor scratches less clearly, and precisely because of this, allows the niello black and the warm gold to stand out more strongly.

Use and occasions

Leaf-shaped medallions are among the oldest forms of decorative metalwork — as a frame motif in Byzantine art, and as a fixed repertoire on tea sets, trays, and boxes in 18th and 19th-century Russian silversmithing. For a wedding, this tray is a piece that remains on the shared table when other gifts are long forgotten. For a housewarming, it stands for hospitality as a material promise, for a round anniversary or birthday, it carries the weight of the occasion. It is also a quiet, unobtrusive choice as a representative corporate gift.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

A personal engraving is possible upon request — SevChern individually assesses for each piece which form and placement are technically sensible and makes concrete suggestions. Additionally, you can choose a SilberVerse Card: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, currently designed free of charge, as a unique addition to the gift.

Care

Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap, a soft cloth is sufficient. No dishwasher, no scouring powder, no silver dip. Gently remove tarnish from the silver surface with a silver polishing cloth. The gilded tendrils are sensitive to abrasion — only light dabbing, no circular movements on gilded areas. The niello itself is insensitive to normal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference from other silver trays with niello?
This tray features six individual leaf medallions on a matte silver surface, connected by gilded tendrils — not a closed ornamental band. This creates a airier, more open appearance than with densely decorated rims.

Is the surface polished or matte?
Matte, finely brushed. This surface makes the niello and gilding stand out more and is easier to care for in everyday life than polished silver.

Can the tray be engraved?
Yes, upon request. SevChern individually assesses which engraving form and placement are possible and makes concrete suggestions before you order.

You might also be interested in

Further serving pieces can be found in the Table Silver and Silverware Collection. For weddings or anniversaries, our selection of Gift Ideas in 925 Silver is also suitable.