Teapot 925 Silver Niello | Astra Classic | Floral Pattern Gold Plated

Astra Classic Teapot – When Russian silver art blossoms

The Astra Classic teapot, crafted from 925 sterling silver, is more than just a vessel for tea – it's a masterpiece of Russian craftsmanship that transforms the beauty of nature into timeless elegance. Hand-engraved floral ornaments twine across the matte silver surface, while black niello inlays bring the interplay of light and shadow to life. A single flower is highlighted in gold – a deliberate accent that draws the eye and underscores the delicate handwork.

In the time-honored SevChern manufactory, which has perfected the art of niello for over a century, each teapot is meticulously handcrafted. The gilded lid with its teardrop-shaped knob, the elegantly curved handle, and the delicate gold bands around the body of the teapot speak of a time when patience, precision, and dedication to craftsmanship were taken for granted.

Floral Niello Art – The Black Soul of Silver

At first glance, you see flowers. At second glance, you recognize craftsmanship. At third glance, you understand art. The Astra Classic teapot is adorned with a floral masterpiece of hand-engraved blossoms and leaves – an homage to nature, which in Russian silversmithing has symbolized growth, beauty, and permanence for centuries.

Particularly striking: A single flower stands out in radiant gold against the black niello ornamentation. This contrast is no accident, but a deliberate composition – it draws the eye, creates depth, and lends the teapot a dynamic elegance that reveals different facets depending on the light. The other blossoms and leaves are rendered in deep niello black, giving the polished 925 sterling silver a three-dimensional effect.

What is Niello and why is it so valuable?

Niello is a centuries-old technique in which a mixture of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is inlaid into intricate engravings. After melting at a precise temperature and subsequent polishing, a deep, velvety black contrast emerges, bringing the hand-engraved ornaments to life. This art form requires years of experience—one wrong moment during heating, and the pattern is irretrievably lost.

The Astra Classic teapot embodies this tradition. Each flower is first engraved by hand into the 925 sterling silver – a process that takes hours and demands the utmost precision. The black niello compound is then poured into the engravings, heated, and polished to a high gloss. The result is a living work of art that never looks the same – depending on the light, new details, new depths, new facets are revealed.

Matte elegance – Silent Luxury in its purest form

The teapot's surface is intentionally matte – not a high-gloss polish that shows every fingerprint, but a silky, satin texture that gently reflects the light. This matte finish is technically demanding: After the niello inlay, the 925 sterling silver is finely ground and polished until a smooth, velvety surface is achieved. The result is timelessly elegant – modern, but never cold.

The contrast between the matte silver, the black niello ornaments, and the gold accents (lid, handle, flower, ribbons) gives the teapot a visual depth that can only be partially captured in photographs. This contrast becomes even more apparent when held: the matte surface feels warm and pleasant to the touch, while the gilded elements radiate a subtle sheen that is never obtrusive.

Why is a 925 silver teapot with niello so valuable?

The value of this teapot lies not only in the material, but in the combination of time, skill, and tradition. While machine-made teapots can be produced in a few hours, the Astra Classic undergoes a process that takes several weeks. From the initial sketch of the floral pattern to the shaping in solid 925 sterling silver, to the final niello finishing and gilding – every step requires the hand of a master craftsman.

The SevChern manufactory employs silversmiths who have learned their craft through generations of apprenticeship. Niello masters pass on their knowledge only to select successors – an art not found in textbooks, but acquired through years of practice. The combination of niello engraving and gilding is particularly rare: only a few manufactories worldwide master both techniques to this degree. This makes each teapot a unique piece whose value increases with age.

The Astra Classic teapot in detail

• Material: 925 sterling silver with gold plating and niello inlays
• Surface: Matt/satin finish (no high-gloss polish)
• Ornaments: Hand-engraved floral patterns in niello black with a gilded accent flower.
• Gilding: Lid with teardrop-shaped knob, handle, spout, decorative bands
• Dimensions: Diameter 106 mm × Width 155 mm × Height 155 mm
• Capacity: 550 ml (ideal for 2-3 cups of tea)
• Average weight: 440 grams (solid 925 sterling silver)
• Origin: Russia, SevChern factory
• Special features: Intricate handwork, niello hand engraving, over 100 years of manufacturing tradition
• Hallmark/Stamp: Original hallmark present (certificate of authenticity)
• Included in delivery: Teapot, high-quality gift box
• Engraving service: Personalization available upon request

For whom is the Astra Classic teapot the perfect gift?

This teapot is a gift for people who find beauty not in ostentation, but in details. It suits tea lovers who celebrate the moment of drinking tea, collectors of fine silverware, and all those who value quality that lasts for decades.

As a wedding gift, the teapot symbolizes the promise of shared moments – from the first cup of tea in the morning to the evening ritual for two. The flowers in the niello pattern represent growth and permanence, while the gilded accent flower symbolizes the special nature of every relationship. As an anniversary gift, it honors the enduring nature of a love that, like silver itself, only grows in value with age.

For collectors, the Astra Classic teapot is a must-have: it represents Russian niello art at its finest and comes from a manufactory whose older pieces already fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. Anyone acquiring a teapot from the SevChern manufactory today is investing not only in beauty, but also in cultural significance and potential for appreciation.

The Astra Classic teapot as part of a tea service set

The Astra Classic teapot is also available as part of a tea service set – perfect for collectors who want to create a harmonious ensemble. Each piece in the series features the same floral niello pattern with gilded accents, creating a cohesive look. From teacups and sugar bowls to creamers, the Astra series allows you to create a complete tea ceremony setting that will impress guests and last for generations.

Tea culture with style – How to use the teapot

The Astra Classic teapot isn't designed for everyday use, but for special moments. Anyone who loves tea knows: the right teapot makes all the difference. The 925 sterling silver retains heat evenly and releases it gently to the tea without altering its delicate aromas. The gold plating inside protects the silver from tarnishing caused by tannins and ensures that the teapot retains its flawless shine for years to come.

A separate tea strainer is recommended for loose tea leaves. The teapot itself should be rinsed with warm water after use and dried with a soft cloth. A special silver polishing cloth is suitable for external care – never use harsh cleaning agents or scouring cream. The niello inlays are sensitive to mechanical stress, so the teapot should not be placed in the dishwasher. With this care, the silver will remain a flawlessly matte heirloom for generations to come.

What customers say

"The teapot is even more beautiful than I imagined. The matte silver surface feels wonderful, and the niello work is so delicate – you could admire the flowers for hours. The gilded flower as an accent is simply brilliant. A true work of art!"
— Dr. Elisabeth H., Munich

Frequently asked questions about the Astra Classic teapot

Is the teapot suitable for daily use?

The Astra Classic teapot is primarily designed as a collector's item and for special occasions. The 925 sterling silver is robust and durable; however, we recommend handling the teapot with care to preserve the delicate niello inlays and the matte finish. For everyday use, there are more practical alternatives – this teapot is intended for moments when beauty and enjoyment take center stage.

Can I have the teapot personalized?

Yes, personalization is possible upon request. Due to the handcrafted niello inlays and the matte finish, engraving is technically demanding and should only be done by professionals. Please contact us, and we can discuss the possibilities of a custom engraving – for example, on the underside or in a discreet location that doesn't detract from the floral design.

How do I properly care for the matte surface?

The matte finish is a characteristic feature of the teapot and should be cared for accordingly. After use, rinse the teapot with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. For external cleaning, use a special silver polishing cloth – never use harsh detergents, scouring creams, or abrasive sponges. The niello inlays and gilding are sensitive to mechanical stress. With this care, the matte finish will remain beautiful for decades.

Why is the gilded flower used as an accent so special?

The gilded flower is not a random detail, but a deliberate artistic composition. It draws the eye and creates a focal point within the floral niello engraving. This combination of black niello and gilding on matte silver demands the highest level of craftsmanship – every technique must be mastered perfectly to ensure a harmonious overall effect. Only a few manufacturers worldwide achieve this balance between niello artistry and gilding at this level.

Is 925 sterling silver safe for teapots?

Yes, 925 sterling silver is completely safe for contact with food. The material is nickel-free, antibacterial, and does not release any harmful substances. The gold plating inside the teapot provides additional protection against tarnishing from tannins in the tea. This ensures the teapot remains taste-neutral and hygienically perfect even after years of use. The matte finish on the exterior has no impact on food safety – it is purely aesthetic.

Why is Niello art so rare?

Niello is one of the oldest and most demanding finishing techniques in silversmithing. Creating the black compound from silver, copper, lead, and sulfur requires years of experience. The mixture must be precisely measured, melted at a precise temperature, and applied to the hand-engraved designs. One mistake during heating, and the entire piece is ruined. This is why only a few workshops worldwide still master the art of niello – the SevChern workshop is among the leading ones. Their niello work is so exquisite that it is considered a benchmark among collectors.

Why is the Astra Classic teapot an investment?

Handcrafted niello pieces made of 925 sterling silver appreciate in value over time. The SevChern manufactory has been producing these teapots for over 100 years, and older pieces fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. This teapot is not just a functional object, but a work of art that will last for generations. Its value is determined by three factors: rarity (only a few manufactories master niello), craftsmanship (each teapot is unique), and cultural significance (Russian silverwork is internationally collected). Anyone who acquires an Astra Classic teapot today owns a piece of cultural history whose value is only increasing.

Can I give the teapot as a gift?

Yes, the teapot comes in a high-quality gift box, ready for immediate gifting. The box is elegantly designed and protects the teapot during transport. Upon request, we can discreetly package the gift and send it directly to the recipient. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to include a personal greeting card – we're happy to help make your gift truly special.

A gift that creates memories

The Astra Classic teapot is not a product for those who prioritize quantity over quality. It is designed for those who understand that true beauty takes time – time to create, time to contemplate, time to savor. Every time this teapot graces the table, it tells the story of an art that has almost been lost in our fast-paced world.

She tells of Russian silversmiths who, in freezing workshops, patiently and precisely engraved flowers in silver. Of niello masters who, with the devotion of monks, inlaid black ornaments into gleaming silver. Of gilders who, with a steady hand, added golden accents. And of you – the person who now holds this teapot and becomes part of its story.

The matte surface feels warm to the touch. The gilded flower catches the light. The niello ornaments speak of nature and tradition. And in the stillness of a tea ceremony, this teapot becomes what it is meant to be: a companion for unforgettable moments.

Product details at a glance

Silver Verse – Memories that last

Memories fade. Photos yellow. But a 925 sterling silver teapot endures. It is passed down from generation to generation, and with every cup of tea poured from it, its story grows. The gilded flower will eventually become a symbol of the grandmother who always served jasmine tea. The niello ornaments will become a reminder of afternoons spent together around the kitchen table. The matte finish will become a tactile reminder of warmth and comfort.

The Astra Classic teapot is not an object – it is a legacy. For people who want to not only see beauty, but feel it. For unforgettable moments. For memories that last.