Child's Mug, 925 Silver Niello — Girl Kitten, 125 ml

Some gifts are chosen in an hour, while others accompany a child for a lifetime. This children's cup made of 925 sterling silver belongs to the latter category: a playful kitten with a bow adorns the wall, framed by a delicate ornamental band of fish motifs—not printed, but permanently incorporated into the silver through niello. For parents, godparents, and grandparents looking for a gift for a baptism or birth of a girl that won't disappear into a drawer, but instead be used, loved, and eventually passed on.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, high-polish finish, with niello decoration
• Motif: Girl kitten with a bow, encircling ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: approx. 95 g
• Shape: round base, loop handle
• Fineness: 925 sterling silver
• Engraving: possible upon review
• Gift box: included

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is neither a paint nor a sticker, but an inlay technique practiced since antiquity. The kitten motif is first engraved into the silver by hand, then a black inlay is melted into the lines, ground flush, and polished—like ink in silver. After polishing, the drawing remains as a deep black contrast permanently in the metal—not applied, but part of the silver itself. Fifteen work steps lie between the raw silver sheet and the finished cup, each carried out by hand. It is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, a manufactory in northern Russia whose niello tradition has been documented since 1683. Curated for SilberKosmos to ensure this craftsmanship also finds its place in Germany.

The collection

With a capacity of 125 ml, a diameter of 68 mm, and a height of 57 mm, the cup is tailored to the proportions of small children's hands. The loop handle is easy to grip securely, the round base ensures stability—at approx. 95 g, it sits steady in the hand without feeling too heavy. 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% fine silver and is intended for beverages such as water, tea, or milk. What serves as a first drinking cup today will later become a storage vessel for little treasures—and eventually an heirloom for the next generation.

Special features and symbolism

The kitten has always stood for curiosity, grace, and independence—qualities that parents and godparents wish for a girl who is discovering the world with open eyes. The bow and the playful lettering on the cup give the motif a warm, childlike touch that is also lasting: niello does not fade, does not flake off, and does not change over the years. In twenty years, the kitten will be just as clearly visible as on the first day.

Occasions and target groups

As a baptism gift, birthday present, or keepsake for a birth, this cup combines everyday utility with lasting significance. It is aimed at anyone who wants to give a girl something for her baptism or birth that lasts beyond the occasion: godparents, grandparents, close family friends. You can find more inspiration in our gifts for baptism and gifts for birth.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Upon review, the cup can be engraved with a name, date of birth, or baptism date—a short sentence or monogram is also possible. We are happy to advise you on placement and font size. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card with your order: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, individually designed with a personal message, free of charge. This way, the gift arrives not just with a cup, but with a letter that lasts.

Care

925 sterling silver tarnishes slightly over time—this is the natural behavior of the metal and not a flaw. A soft silver polishing cloth or standard silver cleaner will refresh the shine. Hand washing with mild dish soap and lukewarm water is the gentler method; a dishwasher is not suitable. The niello motif is permanently protected by the melting technique and does not require special caution. Store in a dry place, preferably in the included gift box.

Frequently asked questions

What is niello—and why does the motif last permanently?
Niello is an inlay technique: the motif is engraved into the silver, then a black inlay is melted in, ground flush, and polished—like ink in silver. After polishing, the niello is part of the metal—not printed, not glued on. It does not fade and does not flake off.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes. 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% fine silver; the inner surface is high-polish finished and easy to clean. Regular hand washing and occasional polishing are sufficient for lasting shine.

What does the kitten motif mean?
The kitten has always been considered a symbol of curiosity, grace, and independence—qualities that many parents and godparents wish to instill in a girl.

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