Caviar dish and ice cream dish 925 silver gold plated – Niello | Sovereign Design

This two-piece caviar bowl made of solid 925 sterling silver features the Russian double-headed eagle in hand-engraved niello on its body — the historic tsarist coat of arms, framed by acanthus scrollwork and two gold-plated braided bands. The inner caviar bowl sits within an outer ice bowl, with both interiors fully gold-plated, making the piece a prestigious serving item for caviar and other delicacies served cold.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, solid
• Construction: 2-piece — inner caviar bowl (150 ml) in outer ice bowl (400 ml)
• Dimensions: Ø 88 mm, height 110 mm
• Weight: approx. 361 g
• Gilding: interior of both bowls fully gold-plated, gold-plated edge strip, gold-plated base ring
• Decor: niello band with Russian double-headed eagle (tsarist coat of arms) and acanthus scrollwork, partially gold-plated, framed by two gold-plated braided bands
• Hallmark: yes
• Delivery: gift case, made-to-order

Material and craftsmanship

The body consists of solid 925 sterling silver and rests on a round base with a gold-plated decorative ring. The central medallion depicts the Russian double-headed eagle with crown, scepter, and orb — executed in niello, a centuries-old technique in which a dark silver alloy is melted by hand into engraved recesses and then polished flush. The result is not a print, but an integral part of the metal: a deep, velvety contrast that intensifies rather than fades with polishing. The piece is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where the art of niello has been documented since 1683 — the manufactory itself has existed under this name since 1933, continuing the older local tradition of craftsmanship.

Usage and occasions

The 2-bowl system deliberately separates ice and caviar: the outer bowl holds crushed ice, while the inner caviar bowl sits inside it, keeping it at a cool temperature throughout the entire serving time. As a gift, this piece is suitable for a silver or golden wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or as a prestigious gift for business partners with an appreciation for Russian goldsmithing. As part of the Sovereign collection, it can be complemented by a tea service, teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, or teacup from the same line to create a larger table ensemble.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

There is space on the base ring and the bottom rim for a personal dedication — a date, initials, or a short phrase. Speak to us when ordering; we would be happy to advise you on the engraving option for this piece. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) — individually designed to suit the occasion and free of charge.

Care

925 silver tarnishes over time — this is not a defect, but a property of the material. The shine can be restored in a few minutes with a soft silver polishing cloth. Never treat gold-plated surfaces with abrasive cleaners; do not use in the dishwasher. Niello becomes more beautiful over time: the contrasts deepen with polishing, and the decorative band gains depth.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the caviar bowl in two parts?

So that ice and caviar remain separated: the outer ice bowl keeps the inner caviar bowl at the optimal serving temperature for the long term, without the need for a cooling unit at the table.

What does the double-headed eagle on the decorative band signify?

It shows the historic tsarist coat of arms of the Russian Empire — two heads, crown, scepter, and orb — executed in niello technique on the silver body.

Can the caviar bowl be combined with other pieces?

Yes, it belongs to the Sovereign collection. The tea service, teapot, teacup, milk jug, and sugar bowl of the same line feature the same decorative band and can be added to over time.

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You can find other pieces in our Tableware & Silverware collection. For further inspiration, it is worth taking a look at our gift ideas.