Teacup Porcelain 925 Silver Niello | Astra Classic Gold | 130ml

Astra Gold Teacup – Where porcelain meets Russian gold artistry

The Astra Gold teacup is the most luxurious interpretation of Russian tea culture: the finest porcelain for perfect tea enjoyment and a fully gold-plated 925 sterling silver frame with niello inlay for exceptional elegance. This cup is not merely an evolution of the Astra Classic, but a masterpiece in its own right, distinguished by its extensive gold plating and a gold-plated accent flower within the niello band. The porcelain retains the heat and preserves the tea's flavor, while the matte silver frame, with its black niello ornamentation and high-gloss gold-plated elements, is a captivating sight.

In the time-honored SevChern manufactory, which has perfected the art of niello for over a century, each silver fitting of the Astra Gold is meticulously handcrafted. The difference from the Astra Classic lies in the details: the V-shaped rim is entirely high-gloss gold-plated, a single flower within the niello band stands out in radiant gold, and both the handle and base are also high-gloss gold-plated – a feast for the senses. With a capacity of 130 ml, the cup is perfectly sized for a classic tea ceremony – not too large, not too small, just right for mindful enjoyment.

The gilded flower – an accent that makes the difference

What distinguishes the Astra Gold teacup from other versions is the gilded accent flower in the niello band. While the floral pattern around the silver rim is rendered in deep niello black, a single flower stands out in radiant gold – just like on the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl. This contrast is no accident, but a deliberate artistic composition: the gilded flower draws the eye, creates a focal point, and lends the cup a dynamic elegance.

This gilded flower is technically demanding: After the niello engraving, this specific flower is coated with a protective layer before the niello compound is applied to the other engravings. The protective layer is then removed, and the flower is gilded separately – a process requiring the utmost precision and demonstrating that the SevChern manufactory has mastered not only niello but also selective gilding at a master level. The result is a three-dimensional interplay of colors: matte silver, deep niello black, and radiant gold – three contrasts that harmonize perfectly.

High-gloss gold-plated – The V-shaped rim, handle and base

Unlike the Astra Classic, where only individual elements are gilded, the Astra Gold shines with maximum brilliance. The V-shaped rim that encircles the porcelain is entirely high-gloss gilded and reflects the light like a small mirror. This shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional: it echoes the organic forms of flowers and creates a harmonious transition between silver and porcelain.

The handle is also highly polished and gilded – not matte like other versions, but with a finish that makes it a piece of jewelry in its own right. It has a classic curve and is shaped to fit perfectly in the hand. The base is the third element to gleam in high-gloss gold: it bears the original hallmark of the manufacturer and is polished to such a high sheen that it is almost mirror-like. These three gilded elements – rim, handle, and base – plus the gilded flower in the niello band make the Astra Gold the most luxurious teacup in the collection.

Porcelain and silver – the perfect combination for tea enjoyment

Why porcelain inside and silver outside? Russian silversmiths answered this question centuries ago: porcelain is the ideal material for tea. It is tasteless, heat-resistant, and retains heat longer than glass or metal. At the same time, porcelain allows you to see the color of the tea – an important aspect of the tea ceremony. The silver casing protects the delicate porcelain from breakage, gives the cup an elegant appearance, and, through its niello ornamentation and gilded accents, tells a story of Russian craftsmanship at its finest.

The upper part of the porcelain is textured with vertical grooves, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also increase the surface area, thus controlling heat dissipation. The lower part of the porcelain is smooth and sits perfectly in the matte silver setting. This setting embraces the porcelain like a protective hand and features the hand-engraved floral band in black niello with the signature gilded accent flower – a detail that makes the Astra Gold truly unique.

Why is the Astra Gold teacup more valuable than the Classic version?

The value of the Astra Gold lies in the combination of four factors: First, more silver – weighing 65 grams (compared to 56 grams for the Classic), the setting contains approximately 15% more solid 925 sterling silver. Second, more gold plating – the rim, handle, and base are fully high-gloss gold-plated, which means significantly more gold is applied. Third, the selective gold plating of a single flower within the niello band – technically demanding and time-consuming. Fourth, the polishing – while the Classic has a matte finish, the gold version undergoes additional polishing, requiring further labor.

This combination makes the Astra Gold the most luxurious teacup in the collection. It is not intended for everyday use, but rather for special occasions: weddings, anniversaries, receptions, or as the crown jewel of a collection of Russian silverware. The SevChern manufactory has been producing such luxury pieces for over 100 years, and older pieces already fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. Anyone acquiring an Astra Gold teacup today is investing not only in beauty, but also in cultural significance and appreciation in value.

The Astra Gold teacup in detail

• Material: Porcelain (insert), 925 sterling silver (setting) with full gilding and niello inlays
• Silver surface: Matt/satin finish (no high-gloss polish on the main surface)
• Ornaments: Hand-engraved floral band in niello black with a gilded accent flower.
• Gilding: High-gloss gilded V-shaped rim, handle, base and accent flower in niello band
• Porcelain: White, with vertical grooves in the upper area, smooth in the lower area
• Dimensions: Diameter 82 mm × Width 103 mm × Height 66 mm
• Capacity: 130 ml (ideal for a cup of tea)
• Weight of silver part: 65 grams (approx. 15% more than Astra Classic)
• Origin: Russia, SevChern factory
• Special features: Delicate handwork, niello hand engraving, selective gilding of one flower, interchangeable porcelain insert, over 100 years of manufacturing tradition
• Hallmark/Stamp: Original hallmark on the base (certificate of authenticity)
• Included: Teacup with porcelain insert, high-quality gift box
• Engraving service: Personalization available upon request (on the base)

For whom is the Astra Gold teacup the perfect gift?

This teacup is a gift for those who seek the extraordinary. It is perfect for tea lovers who don't just drink tea, but celebrate a ceremony; for collectors who want to own the finest Russian silver craftsmanship; and for all those who understand that true elegance lies in the perfection of every detail. The Astra Gold is the most luxurious complement to the Astra Classic teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer – together they form a harmonious tea service set of the highest quality.

As a wedding gift, the Astra Gold teacup symbolizes the promise of extraordinary moments together – from the first cup of tea in the morning to the evening ritual for two. The gilded flower in a niello pattern represents the special qualities in every relationship, while the combination of porcelain and silver symbolizes a partnership that unites the best of both worlds. As an anniversary gift (especially for a golden wedding anniversary), it honors the enduring nature of a love that, like gold itself, only grows in value with age.

For collectors, the Astra Gold teacup is an absolute must-have: it represents Russian craftsmanship at its finest and demonstrates how niello work, matte silver, and high-gloss gilding can harmonize perfectly. Anyone acquiring an Astra Gold teacup from the SevChern manufactory today owns not just a functional object, but a work of art that will last for generations and whose value will continually increase.

The Astra Gold teacup as part of the luxury tea service set

The Astra Gold teacup is part of the comprehensive Astra collection and harmonizes perfectly with the Astra Classic teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer. All the silver pieces feature the same floral niello pattern, and the gold-plated accent flower on the teacup echoes the gold-plated flowers on the teapot and sugar bowl. Together, they create a harmonious ensemble that showcases Russian elegance at its finest.

Luxury set recommendation for 2 people: Astra Classic teapot + Astra Classic sugar bowl + Astra Classic creamer + 2 Astra Gold teacups + 2 saucers + 2 gold-plated teaspoons = 9-piece luxury tea ceremony set. The Astra Gold teacups are the crown jewel of this set, their extensive gold plating demonstrating that this is not just a place to drink tea, but a place to celebrate a ceremony.

Luxury tea set recommendation for 6 people: Teapot + sugar bowl + creamer + 6 Astra Gold teacups + 6 saucers = 15-piece complete luxury tea service. This set is perfect for hosts who want to impress their guests with Russian elegance at its finest. All pieces are perfectly coordinated and together tell the story of Russian silversmithing in its most luxurious form.

Care and use – How to keep your teacup pristine

The Astra Gold teacup is designed for special occasions – not for everyday use in the dishwasher, but for moments when tea is celebrated. While the porcelain is dishwasher-safe, we strongly recommend handwashing the entire cup to protect the high-gloss gold-plated elements. After use, rinse the cup with warm water (with mild dish soap if needed) and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

The high-gloss gilding of the rim, handle, and base can be polished with a special silver polishing cloth – proceed very gently to avoid scratching the polish. Never use harsh cleaning agents, scouring creams, or abrasive sponges. The niello inlays and the gilded accent flower are particularly sensitive to mechanical stress. With careful maintenance, the high-gloss gilding will remain flawless for decades – a small effort for a work of art that will last for generations.

A particular advantage: Should the porcelain ever break (which rarely happens with careful handling), the insert can be replaced while preserving the valuable silver setting with its gilding. Please contact us if you need a replacement insert – the SevChern manufactory makes them to order.

Frequently asked questions about the Astra Gold teacup

What is the difference between Astra Gold and Astra Classic?

The Astra Gold is the more luxurious version with significantly more gold plating: The V-shaped rim is entirely high-gloss gold-plated (instead of wavy), the handle and base are high-gloss gold-plated (instead of matte), and a single flower in the niello band is gold-plated – just like on the teapot and sugar bowl. In addition, the setting contains approximately 15% more silver (65 g instead of 56 g). The Astra Gold is intended for special occasions and collectors, while the Classic is designed for more frequent use.

Does the Astra Gold teacup match the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl?

Yes, perfect! The gold-plated accent flower in the niello band of the Astra Gold teacup echoes the gold-plated flowers of the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl. All the silver pieces feature the same floral niello pattern and are crafted from 925 sterling silver with a matte finish. The combination of Classic pieces (teapot, sugar bowl, creamer) and gold teacups is very popular, as the teacups stand out as a personal touch, while the teapot and sugar bowl pieces blend harmoniously into the background.

How do I care for the high-gloss gold-plated elements?

The high-gloss gilding on the rim, handle, and base should be cared for with the utmost care. After use, rinse the cup with warm water and mild dish soap, then dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a special silver polishing cloth for polishing – very gently, so as not to scratch the high-gloss surface. Never put it in the dishwasher! The high-gloss gilding is more delicate than matte gilding, but also considerably more spectacular. With this care, the cup will remain flawless for decades.

Why is the gilded flower in the niello band so special?

The selective gilding of a single flower within a niello band is technically extremely demanding. After the niello engraving, this specific flower is coated with a protective layer before the niello compound is applied to the other engravings. The protective layer is then removed, and the flower is gilded separately. This process requires the utmost precision and demonstrates that the SevChern manufactory has mastered not only niello but also selective gilding at a master level. Very few manufactories worldwide possess this technique.

Is Astra Gold an investment?

Yes, definitely. The Astra Gold is the most luxurious teacup in the collection and contains significantly more silver and gold plating than the Classic version. The SevChern manufactory has been producing teacups for over 100 years, and older pieces with maximum gilding already fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. The combination of niello work, selective gilding, and a porcelain mount is extremely rare. Anyone acquiring an Astra Gold today owns a work of art whose value is constantly increasing—especially in a time when such craftsmanship has almost been lost.

Can I buy the teacup individually or only as part of a set?

The Astra Gold teacup is available both individually and as a set. Many customers start with two cups for a tea ceremony set for two and expand their set over the years to four, six, or more cups. Because the Astra collection is timeless, new pieces can be seamlessly added at any time. All cups are identically crafted and fit together perfectly. For a complete luxury tea service, we recommend six cups and six saucers.

How does the Astra Gold differ from other luxury teacups?

The Astra Gold teacup combines four unique features: First, the combination of porcelain (practical) and silver (artistic). Second, genuine niello hand engraving (no printing or stamping). Third, selective gilding of a flower within the niello band (technically extremely demanding). Fourth, the SevChern manufactory with over 100 years of tradition. This combination is unique worldwide – there is no comparable teacup on the market that unites all four features. This makes the Astra Gold truly one of a kind.

Can I give the teacup as a gift?

Yes, the teacup comes in a high-quality gift box, ready for immediate gifting. The box protects the cup during transport and features an elegant design. 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 memorable.

A gift that creates memories

The Astra Gold teacup is not for people who drink tea from paper cups. It is designed for those who understand that tea is more than a beverage – it is a ritual, a moment of peace, a conversation that takes time. Every time this cup is held, it tells the story of an art that has almost been lost in our fast-paced world – and its lavish gold plating demonstrates that this is not a case of skimping, but of celebrating.

She tells of Russian silversmiths who patiently and precisely engraved flowers in silver. Of niello masters who, with the devotion of monks, inlaid black ornaments into gleaming silver – and then selected a single flower to shine in gold. Of gilders who polished the rim, handle, and base to a high sheen, until they reflected like tiny mirrors. And of you – the person who now holds this cup and becomes part of its story.

The matte silver frame feels warm to the touch. The porcelain keeps the tea at the perfect temperature. The niello ornaments speak of nature and tradition. The gilded flower catches the light like a tiny star. The high-gloss, gilded handle sits comfortably in the hand and reflects the world around it. And in the stillness of a tea ceremony, this cup becomes what it is meant to be: a companion for unforgettable moments – moments worthy of being captured in gold.

Product details at a glance

Silver Verse – Memories that shine in gold

Memories fade. Photos yellow. But a teacup made of porcelain and 925 sterling silver with gold remains—and only shines brighter with age. It is passed down from generation to generation, and with every cup of tea drunk from it, its story grows. The gilded flower in the niello band will one day become a symbol for the grandmother who always used these cups for her golden wedding anniversary. The high-gloss gilding becomes a reminder of moments so special they had to be captured in gold. The gilded handle becomes a tactile reminder of warmth, security, and the feeling of holding something extraordinary.

The Astra Gold teacup is not just an object – it's a legacy in gold. For people who want to not only see beauty, but feel it. For unforgettable moments. For memories that shine in gold and never fade.