Tea service 925 silver with niello for two

There is a green that one never forgets. Apple green, cool and vibrant, set in polished 925 sterling silver and framed by deep black niello ornamentation. On every spoon handle, on the flank of the sugar bowl: a round chrysoprase stone that carries the entire effect of this 7-piece tea service. Two cups, two saucers, two teaspoons, and a sugar bowl on a slender pedestal base unite four techniques, each of which takes a lifetime to master: hand engraving, niello inlay, filigree work, and chrysoprase setting.

At a glance

• Set contents (7 pieces): 2 cups, 2 saucers, 2 teaspoons, 1 sugar bowl
• Cup (each): L 98 × W 68 × H 70 mm, 125 ml, approx. 102 g
• Saucer (each): D 111 × H 15 mm, approx. 89 g
• Teaspoon (each): L 135 × W 29 mm, approx. 24.5 g
• Sugar bowl: D 151 × W 205 × H 92 mm, 550 ml, approx. 358.5 g
• Total set weight: approx. 0.9 kg
• Material: 925 sterling silver, chrysoprase inlays
• Technique: Niello inlay, hand engraving, filigree work, satin finish
• Engraving possible upon review
• Origin: Russia, traditional silversmithing

Material and craftsmanship

Chrysoprase is not a stone chosen by accident. It is apple green to emerald in color, its hue derived from nickel oxide inclusions in chalcedony quartz, and it appears as if it is glowing from within. In the Russian silversmithing tradition, chrysoprase has always been the exception—its setting requires the silver to hold the stone without squeezing it, while simultaneously complementing the rest of the ornamentation. In this service, the stone sits not on the edge, but in the center: on each spoon handle at the heart of the ornamental end, and on the sugar bowl as luminous points along the wall. The black pattern on the cups—generous floral rosettes, delicate sweeping vines—is niello: a black inlay that is fused into previously hand-engraved lines, ground flat, and polished—like ink in silver. What is created is not a surface on the silver, but a solid connection with it that does not chip or fade. Every motif was first engraved, then filled with niello—at least 15 work steps per piece. The cup handles are additionally crafted using filigree work: fine silver wires joined into an openwork lattice pattern that remains stable despite its lightness. The silversmith works under a magnifying glass, with tweezers and a soldering lamp, millimeter by millimeter.

Use and occasions

Seven pieces, precisely for two people—not a random number, but a choice. This service is not intended for the large dining table, but for the moment spent together: in the morning when the house is still quiet, or in the evening as the day comes to a close. As a gift for a golden wedding anniversary, it honors fifty years together; for a 60th, 70th, or 80th birthday, it suits someone who has already collected beauty throughout their life. This tea service is also the right choice as an anniversary gift, a wedding gift for a couple with an eye for beauty, or as an object for a collector of Russian silver.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Upon review, an engraving can be added to the service—an initial, a date, a short dedication. We would be happy to advise you on which area is best suited and which font style matches the ornament. Additionally, we can include a SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape photo format upon request—individually designed to suit the occasion, free of charge.

Care

A soft, lint-free cloth is sufficient for daily care. No ultrasonic cleaner, as it can loosen the niello inlay and chrysoprase settings, and no silver dip, as it attacks the niello inlay. Do not expose the chrysoprase to direct sunlight for hours at a time; in normal use, this is not an issue. Store the service in a soft cloth or case, separated from other silver items. Niello silver does not weaken over time; it grows deeper: each polish deepens the contrasts, the black becomes richer, the silver brighter.

Frequently asked questions

What is chrysoprase, and why is it so rare in silverwork?
Chrysoprase is an apple-green to emerald-green variety of chalcedony quartz whose color is created by microscopic nickel oxide inclusions. Its setting places special demands on the silversmith, which is why it is so rarely found in silverwork.

Niello versus enamel, what is the difference?
Enamel is glass flux that is applied to metal and fired, which can crack or chip over time. Niello is a black inlay that is fused into engraved lines, ground flat, and polished—like ink in silver—not a layer, but a solid bond with the silver, more durable and becoming more beautiful with use.

Can I actually use the tea service, or is it purely decorative?
You can and should use it. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% fine silver, and the chrysoprase stones are set in silver without coming into direct contact with the tea.

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