Coffee & tea sets

Coffee and tea service in 925 silver with niello — a table setting with character

When dark ornaments rest on polished silver, tableware becomes a statement piece. Our collection of 29 coffee and tea sets in 925 sterling silver with niello decoration comprises cups, saucers, teapots, tea strainers, and sugar bowls, all united by one theme: niello . A dark alloy of silver, copper, and sulfur is melted into engraved ornaments and permanently bonded to the silver. The result is high-contrast patterns that won't fade, peel, or lose their depth for decades. Each piece undergoes over 15 individual steps—from engraving and firing to final polishing. Many pieces also feature an internal gold plating, which protects the silver from oxidation and adds warm gold accents.

What items are included in the Niello collection?

The collection covers everything you need for a stylish coffee or tea table:

• Coffee and tea cups: From compact espresso cups to generous tea cups — many with a matching porcelain insert that makes cleaning easier and keeps the aroma neutral.
• Saucers: Matching the cups in the same niello decor, for a uniform table setting.
• Pots: Coffee and tea pots with flowing ornaments that come to life when pouring.
• Tea strainers: Functional pieces with decorative appeal — the Niello pattern makes even a tea strainer a topic of conversation.
• Sugar bowls: With lid and surrounding niello decoration, matching the rest of the collection.

What's special: All pieces can be freely combined. You don't have to buy a complete set — add to your collection piece by piece; the ornamentation remains stylistically consistent.

Niello decoration — what is behind the technique?

Niello is one of the oldest precious metal finishing techniques. In Europe, this technique is rarely practiced today. The process begins with engraving: ornaments are carved by hand into the silver surface. Then, the niello compound—an alloy of silver, copper, and sulfur—is applied to the indentations and fired at a high temperature. After cooling, the surface is ground and polished until the dark pattern is flush with the silver.

The result is fundamentally different from a simple engraving or painted decoration: the niello ornaments are physically part of the silver. They do not wear down, do not react to moisture, and even gain in contrast over time as the surrounding silver develops a light patina.

Care of silverware with niello

Silver coffee and tea sets are meant for regular use—not for display. This is how they will stay in top condition:

• Rinse with warm water and mild dish soap after each use. Remove tea and coffee residue promptly.
• Dry with a soft cloth — water spots on silver are easily avoidable.
• Niello ornaments can tolerate a silver polishing cloth. However, aggressive silver dips and abrasives can damage the dark filling.
• Do not treat gilded interior surfaces with abrasive agents.
• Fabric bags or the included gift box are suitable for storage — they protect against scratches and slow down tarnishing.

Not suitable for dishwashers. The combination of heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress can damage both the silver and the niello decoration.

Occasions and target groups

A single piece of niello silverware is already a special gift. A curated selection becomes a meaningful collection.

• Wedding: A pair of teacups with niello—symbolizing shared morning rituals. Complement it with a silver teapot for the first time you serve tea together.
• Anniversary: ​​For a silver or golden wedding anniversary, a piece that reflects the occasion in its material — 925 sterling silver with gold plating.
• Collectors: Niello tableware made of 925 silver is rare in Europe. Each piece expands a collection that increases in value over time—both materially and aesthetically.
• Host: Serving coffee or tea in silver shows appreciation for one's guests and for table culture itself.
• Birthday & Christmas: For people who consciously enjoy life and prioritize quality over quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee and tea service made of 925 silver suitable for everyday use?
Yes. Sterling silver is food-safe, tasteless, and robust enough for everyday use. Many of our customers use their silver mugs daily—the material even becomes more beautiful with regular use.

Does silver change the taste of coffee or tea?
No. 925 sterling silver is completely tasteless and does not release any substances into the beverage. With cups that have a porcelain insert, the beverage never comes into contact with the silver.

Can I buy individual pieces or only as a set?
All 29 pieces are available individually. You can build your collection gradually — the niello ornamentation remains stylistically consistent even if you order at different times.

How does niello differ from black enamel?
Enamel is a layer of glass applied to the metal—it can chip if struck. Niello, on the other hand, is fused into the silver and is physically bonded to the base material. It is significantly more durable and retains its appearance permanently.

Can I have an engraving done on a piece of niello?
Yes, many pieces have blank spaces for personal engraving—initials, a date, or a short dedication. Contact us; we'll be happy to advise you on the possibilities.

Discover the entire world of coffee and tea

Complete your Niello tableware collection or discover other categories:

• Silver coffee and tea cups — the complete selection of cups, also without niello
• Silver coffee and teapots — pots for coffee and tea in various styles
• Silver tea strainers with niello — functional and decorative
• Silver sugar bowls — the perfect addition to the coffee table

Discover also: Coffee & tea cups · Coffee & tea pots · Coffee & tea sets · Tea strainers with niello · Sugar bowls