Baby Cup, 925 Sterling Silver, Bear — Two Handles

The "Bear" 925 Silver Baby Cup is a classic Italian silver cup from ZARAMELLA — featuring two curved handle-loops, a slightly conical tulip shape, and a large, sculptured bear in relief on the front. The bear stands upright, wears a suggested jacket with buttons and a belt, and spans almost the entire height of the cup — a figurative miniature in pure, highly polished 925 sterling silver. No enamel, no gilding — pure silver form.

For godparents looking for a classic Italian silver gift with character — beyond enameled kitsch and heraldic pomp. For grandparents who want to give a real silver cup that will accompany a child throughout their life. For parents who prefer a quiet, timeless keepsake for their baby without color or gold — pure form, pure silver, only the essential.

What makes this Bear Cup special

The slightly conical tulip shape distinguishes this baby cup from classic cylindrical mugs: narrower at the bottom, slightly open at the top — a silhouette that looks elegant and stands securely. The two side loop handles are made from the same 925 silver as the body, neatly soldered, and crafted in a curved shape — small hands can grip both left and right simultaneously, keeping the cup balanced. Weighing around 135 grams of solid sterling silver, this cup is not just silver sheet, but a substantial weight in the hand — tangible and valuable.

The Bear as a Motif — Security in Silver

The bear relief on the front is the true distinguishing feature of this cup. Not a small medallion, not a cute teddy bear head — but a sculptured, upright bear spanning almost the entire height of the front. The suggested jacket with buttons and a belt gives the bear character — he appears less like a stuffed animal and more like a small figure standing with the cup. In the European children's world, the bear has symbolized security, warmth, and protection for generations. Where the lion stands for courage and the deer for nobility, the bear represents a quiet, supportive force — the protector who is there, even if he says nothing. For a christening gift or birth gift, this is a message that needs no words: your child is safe.

For what occasion — Christening, Birth, and First Milestones

Key occasions: christening, birth, and first birthday. This baby cup is also a popular choice as a gift for the first tooth or name day. Since the bear is a gender-neutral motif, the cup is equally suitable for girls and boys — godparents don't have to choose between colors, and grandparents give a piece that fits into any family. Particularly popular as a gift from godparents (to present the silver drinking cup at the ceremony), grandparents (a generational gift), and aunts/uncles and close friends who want to give more than just a card.

Engraving on Request — Name and Christening Date

The smooth back of the baby cup can be engraved — usually with the name and christening date, or alternatively, a monogram, a short christening verse, or the birth date. Engraving is done after personal consultation — we advise on placement, font, and text length. Upon request, with an engraving order, we include a free SilberVerse — a individually written poem for the occasion and person, printed on photo paper and included with the gift. Engraving in silver and handwritten poetry on paper together create a complete christening or birth gift with a personal touch.

Two Handles — Why it Matters for this Cup

The two side loop handles are not a design decision but a functional one: small hands can securely hold the cup with both hands when they first learn to drink on their own. A single handle forces the child to use one hand — two handles restore the natural gripping position. With this baby cup, the handles are also designed proportionally to the cup: large enough for a baby's finger to fit through, but not so elaborate as to make the piece unwieldy. For the phase between bottle and adult glass — i.e., approximately 6 to 24 months — this two-handled design is the ergonomically appropriate solution.

ZARAMELLA — Italian Silver Craftsmanship

ZARAMELLA is an Italian silversmith workshop specializing in baby and children's silver. The style of this manufacturer is characterized by pure form and classic lines — no enamel accents, no gilding, no colored elements. What matters is the silhouette: the tulip shape of the cup, the curved handles, the sculptured relief. Each piece is hallmarked and highly polished, delivered in a gift box that makes the piece ready for gifting immediately. This aesthetic is timeless in the best sense: a ZARAMELLA cup looks just as good today as it will in 30 years — not fashion, just craftsmanship.

The Difference — Bear, Teddy Bear, or Teddy Medallion?

Our children's cup assortment includes several silver cups with a bear motif — they differ significantly in appearance, manufacturer, and character:

• This cup (SW11716 "Bear"): Large, upright bear with a jacket as a sculptured relief over the entire front. Figurative character, bear dominates the cup. 135 g, ZARAMELLA Italy.
• Teddy Bear Baby Cup (SW11718): Same cup shape and same manufacturer (ZARAMELLA), but with a small, playful teddy bear head in a cloud-shaped medallion centered on the front. Sweeter, more nursery-like character, significantly smaller motif. 120 g.
• Teddy Bear Baby Cup (SW11424): Different manufacturer (Russkiye Samotsvety, Russia), significantly different design: a large round medallion with a fine beaded edge on the front, with a teddy bear holding a ball inside. The cup is wider and heavier (155 g, 11.5 × 7.5 × 5.5 cm), and the design language is classically formal rather than figurative. Those who prefer the medallion aesthetic choose this cup — those who want the free bear relief stick with SW11716.
• Children's Cup Teddy Bear Single Handle (SW11721): Smaller variant with only one handle, H 5.5 cm, 60 g, 100 ml — for very young children or as a slimmer gift (€649.95).

In short: "Bear" = figurative bear relief (this cup). "Teddy Bear" = teddy bear head motif (the other three, in different designs).

The Perfect Set — Cup and Baby Spoon

For those who want to give not just the cup but a coordinated set, there's the Baby Cup & Baby Spoon Bear Gift Set (SW11581) — ZARAMELLA Italy, baby cup (139 g, H 7 × D 10.5 cm) and curved baby spoon (14 cm), both with a bear motif, together in a gift box. This is the more complete gift — for godparents and grandparents who don't want to skimp on their present.

Care

925 sterling silver is durable and food-safe. After use, rinse with lukewarm water and mild dish soap, then dry with a soft cloth. For tarnish, use a silver polishing cloth without pressure — the bear relief benefits from gentle, circular polishing, no abrasive cleaners. Do not put in the dishwasher, no silver dips, no harsh cleaning agents. Store in the provided gift box or a velvet pouch — this minimizes re-tarnishing and preserves the high polish for years.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Baby Cup Bear

What is the difference to the Teddy Bear Baby Cup (SW11718) from the same manufacturer?
Both cups are from ZARAMELLA and have the same shape (H 8 × D 7.5 cm, two handles). The difference lies in the motif: This cup features a large, standing bear with a jacket in relief over the entire front — figurative, characterful. The SW11718 features a significantly smaller motif: a playful teddy bear head in a cloud-shaped medallion. Which variant fits is purely a matter of taste — classically figurative (SW11716) or sweet and playful (SW11718).

What distinguishes this cup from the Teddy Bear Cup with a Beaded Edge (SW11424)?
The SW11424 is from a different manufacturer (Russkiye Samotsvety, Russia) and is significantly heavier (155 g instead of 135 g). Visually, the main difference is in the motif's integration: the SW11424 has a large round medallion with a fine beaded edge, in which a teddy bear with a ball sits — very classic, almost coin-like. This cup, however, features the bear motif as a free, sculptured relief without an enclosure — more modern and figurative. Those who prefer the classic medallion look choose SW11424. Those who prefer pure silver form with a lively relief stick with this cup.

Can the baby cup be engraved?
Yes. The smooth back is ideal for engraving — name, christening date, birth date, monogram, or a short christening verse. Engraving is done upon request after personal consultation. Please contact us briefly before ordering — we will discuss placement, font, and text length.

From what age is the baby cup suitable?
The dimensions (H 8 × D 7.5 cm, two handles) are suitable from approximately 6 months — as soon as a baby can sit and grasp with both hands. 925 sterling silver is food-safe and hypoallergenic, suitable for daily use. For christening gifts for newborns, the cup is often first stored in the gift box until the child reaches the appropriate age.

Is 925 silver safe for babies?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic, food-safe, and has been used for children's silver for centuries. Silver also has natural antibacterial properties — one reason why silver cups were historically considered the preferred drinking vessel for children. The cup is nickel-free and suitable for direct contact with milk, water, or tea.

How do I store the cup as a keepsake?
After the usage phase (usually until toddler age), the baby cup finds its place in a display cabinet, on a glass shelf, or in the nursery among other keepsakes. For longer storage, the provided gift box or a velvet pouch is suitable — this minimizes tarnishing. With regular gentle polishing, the cup will remain radiant for decades.