Tea service 925 silver gold-plated Niello Sovereign

There are gifts that one presents—and there are gifts that one bestows. The "Sovereign" tea service in 925 sterling silver belongs to the second category: eleven pieces, perfectly matched in ornament, finish, and weight, with the Russian double-headed eagle on every single piece. Everything from the same manufactory, in the same combination of hand-engraving, niello, and gilding, in a gift box ready to be bestowed.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, solid, with niello engraving and gilding
• Total weight: approx. 1,300 g silver
• Set for 2 people — 11 pieces
• Teapot: D106 × H155 mm, 550 ml, approx. 451 g
• Sugar bowl: D95 × W152 × H71 mm, 220 ml, approx. 182 g
• Tea cups (2 pieces): D79 × W107 × H60 mm, 140 ml, approx. 129 g each
• Saucers (2 pieces): D109 × H11 mm, approx. 88 g each
• Tea spoons (2 pieces): L140 × W30 mm, approx. 37.5 g each
• Sugar spoon: L134 × W30 mm, approx. 36.5 g
• Lemon fork: L138 × W18 mm, approx. 32.5 g
• Serving tray oval: L157 × W95 × H5 mm, approx. 101 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia — niello tradition documented there since 1683
• Hallmark: yes
• Delivery: includes gift box
• Availability: made-to-order
• Expandable: milk jug available separately as an individual piece

Material and craftsmanship

Approx. 1,300 grams of 925 sterling silver are brought to the table with this service, spread across eleven pieces designed as a whole—not an assortment that appears to have been put together later. The niello technique connects all pieces: in every part, the engraved ornaments are set in fused niello, deeply and permanently bonded with the silver, neither applied nor lacquered. This is the quality signature of SevChern from Veliky Ustyug, where this technique has been documented since 1683. Each of the eleven pieces bears the same motif: the Russian state emblem with the double-headed eagle, tsarist crowns, scepter, and orb, embedded in a round, gilded medallion surrounded by dense acanthus vines in niello. The triad of gold for the medallion backgrounds and handles, niello black for vines and engraving lines, and polished silver for ribs and bases runs consistently across all pieces—design work that has been developed in Veliky Ustyug over decades.

Use and occasions

The set in this configuration is intended for two people: teapot, sugar bowl, two cups with saucers, two tea spoons, one sugar spoon, one lemon fork, and a serving tray—a complete, functional tea service from pouring to serving sugar and lemon. A milk jug is not included; the matching piece from the Sovereign collection is available separately and can be seamlessly added, with the same motif, the same gilding, and the same weight ratio. Larger configurations for four or more people can also be assembled upon request. This tea service is particularly suitable for a silver or golden wedding anniversary, as a formal gift for executives and institutions, as a complement for collectors of Russian tableware, or as a joint wedding gift from a larger group—a gift that does not have to be carried by one person alone.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Individual engraving is possible upon review—please contact us before ordering to discuss which piece of the service should be personalized with a dedication. In addition, we offer a complimentary SilberVerse card in photo format, 15 × 10 cm in landscape orientation, digitally customized to the occasion and recipient—a unique personal touch to accompany the gift.

Care

All silver pieces should be polished with a soft cloth; a dishwasher or silver dip are not suitable for this service. Niello is robust to maintain—the contrasts between black and gold even deepen with regular polishing. Wipe the tray dry after use. Between occasions, it is best to store the service in the included gift box or wrapped in soft silver cloths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the tea service be configured for more than 2 people?
Yes. The service in this configuration is designed for 2 people, but can be individually expanded. Please contact us—we will put together the configuration you need. Additional cups, saucers, and spoons are available as individual pieces.

Why is there no milk jug included in the set?
The Sovereign tea service is a sample configuration of the collection. The "Sovereign" milk jug is available as an independent piece and can be easily added—it features the same design and the same material.

How much silver does the complete service contain?
Approx. Approx. 1,300 g of 925 sterling silver, distributed across all 11 pieces. The teapot alone weighs approx. 451 g—this gives you a sense of the material density of the ensemble.

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