Teacup Porcelain 925 Silver Niello | Astra Classic Gold | 130ml

The Astra Gold teacup is the most luxurious interpretation of Russian tea culture within the Astra collection: finest porcelain for the enjoyment of tea and a fully gold-plated 925 sterling silver holder featuring niello artistry for a truly special appearance. What distinguishes this variant from the Astra Classic is seen in the detail—the V-shaped rim is fully finished in high-gloss gold, a single flower in the niello band stands out in radiant gold, and both the handle and base are high-gloss gold-plated. With a 130 ml capacity, the cup is perfectly sized for a classic tea ceremony.

At a glance

• Material: White porcelain (insert), 925 sterling silver holder, fully gold-plated, with niello inlays
• Silver surface: matte/satin finish, with high-gloss gold-plated rim, handle, and base
• Ornaments: hand-engraved flower band in niello black with one gold-plated accent flower
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 82 × W 103 × H 66 mm
• Capacity: approx. 130 ml
• Silver weight: approx. 65 g
• Fineness: 925 sterling silver
• Included in delivery: Teacup with porcelain insert, gift box
• Engraving service: Personalization possible upon review (on the base)

Material and craftsmanship

Why porcelain inside and silver outside? Porcelain is neutral in taste and heat-resistant, while simultaneously allowing the color of the tea to be seen—an important part of the tea ceremony. The silver holder protects the delicate porcelain from breakage and carries the artistic side of the cup: a hand-engraved flower band in deep niello black, from which a single flower stands out in radiant gold. This selective gilding is technically demanding—after the niello engraving, the flower in question is provided with a protective layer before the niello mass is inlaid into the remaining engravings; subsequently, the protective layer is removed and the flower is gold-plated separately. The V-shaped rim, the handle, and the base are additionally fully finished in high-gloss gold—a difference from the Astra Classic, where only individual elements are gold-plated. The porcelain is structured with vertical grooves in the upper area, which also regulate heat dissipation, and sits securely in the holder in the lower, smooth section.

Usage and occasions

With 130 ml, the Astra Gold teacup is designed for a classic cup of tea—not too big, not too small, made for the mindful tea moment. It is suitable for special occasions such as weddings, golden anniversaries, or jubilees, and also serves as a gift for collectors of Russian silverware who value the combination of porcelain, niello, and selective gilding. Together with the teapot, sugar bowl, and cream jug from the Astra Classic collection, a harmonious tea set can be assembled in which the Astra Gold cups stand out as a special element.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Personalization is possible on the base upon review—contact us with your engraving request before placing your order. Additionally, we offer the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm (landscape) photo, individually designed and free of charge.

Care

Even though the porcelain is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing the entire cup to protect the high-gloss gold-plated elements. After use, rinse with warm water, use mild dish soap if necessary, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. The high-gloss gilding on the rim, handle, and base can be gently polished with a special silver polishing cloth—proceed with caution to avoid scratching the high-gloss surface. Never use aggressive cleaning agents or coarse sponges. Should the porcelain ever break, the insert can be replaced while the silver holder with its gilding is preserved—please feel free to contact us regarding this.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Astra Gold and Astra Classic?
The Astra Gold features significantly more gilding: the V-shaped rim is fully finished in high-gloss gold, the handle and base are high-gloss instead of matte gold, and a single flower in the niello band is additionally accented in gold. Furthermore, the holder contains slightly more silver (approx. 65 g) than the Classic variant.

Does the Astra Gold teacup match the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl?
Yes. The gold-plated accent flower in the niello band picks up the gold-plated flowers of the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl, and all silver parts are crafted from 925 sterling silver with a matte finish.

How do I care for the high-gloss gold-plated elements?
With the utmost care: rinse with warm water and mild dish soap after use, dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, and polish gently with a silver polishing cloth if necessary. Never place in the dishwasher.

You might also be interested in

Discover more pieces from the Astra collection in our Tableware & Silverware collection. For the perfect idea for an occasion, it is worth taking a look at our Gift Ideas.