"Aurora Gold" – Gold-plated tea strainer made of silver with niello

The same spoon strainer as its silver counterpart — only completely gold-plated. The warm gold tone encompasses two remaining silver fields with black hand-engraved niello: an elongated one at the end of the handle and a curved one at the transition to the strainer bowl. The contrast between the shiny gold and the light, finely engraved ornamental surfaces is the principle that distinguishes this piece from its version without gilding. Crafted by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, hand-engraved niello, gold plating
• Design: floral niello ornaments on silver fields, surrounded by gold-plated surfaces
• Dimensions: approx. L 135 × W 52.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 56 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: yes
• Included in delivery: tea strainer, gift box

Material and workmanship

The bowl of this spoon strainer is made of 925 sterling silver and is almost completely gold-plated. Two fields remain untouched: one at the end of the handle and one at the transition from the handle to the bowl. Here, the silver is left unplated and features floral hand-engraved niello — blossoms and foliage filled with black niello alloy, which is fused into the engraved silver. The effect is a double contrast: warm gold against light silver, and light silver against deep black ornament. The niello decoration is handcrafted — every line is engraved by hand before the niello alloy is applied and fired. The base of the strainer is finely perforated and designed for loose-leaf tea of all kinds.

Hand-engraved niello from Veliky Ustyug

Since its first written mention in 1683, Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda region has been considered the center of Russian niello art. SevChern (officially SAO Severnaya Chern) continues this Veliky Ustyug tradition — the manufactory itself was founded in 1933 as an artel and was awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. The spoon strainer is hallmarked.

Use and occasions

With a length of approx. 135 mm, the spoon strainer fits comfortably in the hand and rests securely over the cup, suitable for all types of loose tea. As a gift, it is perfect for occasions where gold and silver can appear together: for Easter, a milestone birthday, as a complement to an existing silver tea service, or as a gift for collectors of Russian niello silver works who are looking for the gold-plated version alongside the silver one.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

After inspection, an engraving is possible on the handle of the tea strainer — initials, a date, or a short dedication. Upon request, we will also include a personal SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape photo format, individually designed and tailored to the occasion. Free of charge. Simply specify your request in the order field.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water and mild detergent — no dishwasher. Do not use a silver dip bath, as this would damage the niello inlays and the gold plating. Treat the gold-plated surfaces with a soft cloth; do not use abrasive polishing agents. Store in a dry place protected from light in the gift box.

Frequently asked questions

Why are only two fields not gold-plated?

The hand-engraved niello sits on ungilded silver so that the contrast to the black ornament remains maximal. If these fields were also gold-plated, the fine engraving would be lost in the warm gold tone.

Is this tea strainer also available without gold plating?

Yes — in our table silver collection, you will find the version without gilding with the same niello design.

Is this tea strainer also available as part of a set?

In the gift ideas collection, you will find other pieces made of 925 silver that are suitable as additions to a teapot, cups, and spoons.

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• Table silver and silverware made of 925 silver
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