Coffee service Hopfen 925 silver Niello and gold plating – 2 people

There are coffee services you use, and then there is this one, which you display. The Hopfen (Hops) coffee service in 925 sterling silver combines hand-engraved niello, partial gilding, and fine Imperial porcelain into a set for two that brings quiet luxury to every detail. The hop motif, one of the most characterful in the niello tradition, extends across the cup holders, saucers, and spoons — dark niello black against warm gold, a harmony that needs no further embellishment.

At a glance

• Set contents: 2 teacups (silver holders with porcelain inserts), 2 saucers, 2 teaspoons, 1 teapot, 1 sugar bowl, 1 milk and cream jug
• Teacup (each): D 55 × W 72 × H 59 mm, 50 ml, approx. 39 g
• Saucer (each): D 100 × H 12 mm, approx. 92 g
• Teaspoon (each): L 93 × W 21 mm, approx. 13 g
• Teapot: D 82 × W 135 × H 176 mm, 550 ml, approx. 420 g
• Sugar bowl: D 73 × W 116 × H 107 mm, 250 ml, approx. 254 g
• Milk and cream jug: D 73 × W 107 × H 86 mm, 250 ml, approx. 205 g
• Total set weight: approx. 1.1 kg
• Material: 925 sterling silver, gilding, niello, high-quality porcelain
• Collection: Hopfen, country of origin Russia
• Engraving possible upon review

Material and craftsmanship

The Hopfen design is created in a multi-stage process: each line of the hop vines is individually hand-engraved into the silver. Subsequently, niello, a black inlay, is melted into the engraved lines, ground flush, and polished — like ink in silver, it is not a print, but a permanent fusion with the metal itself. Selected areas are then gilded, giving the vines a warm, distinct luster. The coffee cups are crafted as 925 silver cup holders with a gilded handle, each holding an Imperial porcelain insert that leaves the beverage with its pure taste, while the silver frame provides stability and elegance. This combination of porcelain insert and silver cup holder is a hallmark of refined Russian coffee culture.

Use and occasions

This coffee service unfolds its charm wherever tea and coffee ceremonies are consciously celebrated: during an evening for two, at an elegant tea time, or during a quiet private ritual in the salon or fireside room. As a gift, it is suitable for company anniversaries, weddings, special birthdays, or as a prestigious gift for business partners. Collectors appreciate the rare combination of niello, gilding, and porcelain; hosts and connoisseurs value it as a permanent part of their home culture; and those who give it as a gift pass on a value that remains culturally, materially, and emotionally significant.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Custom engraving is possible upon review. Optionally, we can accompany your gift with a 15 × 10 cm landscape format SilberVerse card — a personal dedication, free of charge, which adds an extra, unique touch to this set.

Care

Please clean by hand only; no dishwasher or aggressive cleaning agents. For the silver surfaces, a soft polishing cloth is recommended; the porcelain can be cleaned separately with mild detergent.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the cup have a porcelain insert?
The porcelain insert is taste-neutral, ensuring your coffee or tea tastes exactly as it should. The silver cup holder provides the decorative frame and ensures stability — a combination typical of Russian silver tableware.

What is niello silver, and where does this technique come from?
Niello is one of the oldest finishing techniques for silver. A black inlay is melted into engraved ornaments, ground flush, and polished, creating a permanent black-and-silver contrast that does not fade.

Can I expand the Hopfen collection?
Yes, there are matching services for 2 and 6 people, as well as individual saucers and spoons from the same collection.

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