Caviar dish & 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 niello hand-engraving on its body – the historic tsarist coat of arms, framed by acanthus scrolls and two gilded braided bands. The inner caviar bowl sits in an outer ice bowl, both interiors fully gilded, making the piece a prestigious serving item for caviar and other cold delicacies.

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 gilded, gilded rim strip, gilded base ring
• Decor: Niello band with Russian double-headed eagle (tsarist coat of arms) and acanthus scrolls, partially gilded, framed by two gilded braided bands
• Hallmarks: 925 mark, manufacturer's mark, Russian state hallmark
• Delivery: Gift box, Made-to-Order

Material and Workmanship

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

Use and Occasions

The 2-bowl system deliberately separates ice and caviar: the outer bowl holds crushed ice, the inner caviar bowl sits within it and thus remains at a cool temperature throughout the entire serving time. As a gift, this piece is suitable for silver or golden weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or as a prestigious gift for business partners with an appreciation for Russian goldsmith's art. As it is part of the Souverän collection, it can be complemented with a tea service, teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, or teacup from the same line to form a larger table ensemble.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

There is space on the base ring and at the bottom edge for a personal dedication – date, initials, or a short phrase. Contact us when ordering, we will be happy to advise you on the engraving option for this piece. Upon request, we will include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) – individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and currently 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 gilded surfaces with abrasive cleaners; do not use a dishwasher. Niello becomes more beautiful with time: the contrasts deepen with polishing, and the decorative band gains depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the caviar bowl two-piece?

So that ice and caviar remain separate: The outer ice bowl keeps the inner caviar bowl at an optimal serving temperature without the need for a refrigerator at the table.

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

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 Souverän collection. Tea service, teapot, teacup, milk jug, and sugar bowl from the same line bear the same decorative band and can be complemented gradually.

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You can find more pieces in our Table Silver & Silverware Collection. For further inspiration, take a look at our Gift Ideas.