Turkish tea glass with tea glass holder made of 925 silver & crystal glass

The Turkish tea glass shape is known worldwide: the slender waist, the curved upper part, the clear glass through which the tea glows in its colour. This tea glass holder made of 925 sterling silver encases the crystal glass in a frame of open gold filigree and a circumferential ornamental band in niello, crafted by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Holder: 925 sterling silver, partially gilded, niello
• Filigree: open gold arches at the top, openwork
• Glass: faceted crystal glass
• Handle: gilded, smoothly curved
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: very limited, on request
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

A wreath of open, golden filigree arches embraces the waist of the crystal glass, below which a narrow, circumferential ornamental band in niello marks the transition to the polished silver base. Niello is not a paint, but a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead and sulfur, which is melted into finely engraved depressions and permanently bonded to the silver base. The ornament on this holder was hand-engraved into the silver, filled with niello and then ground free, the result is insoluble and does not fade. The open gold filigree arches above allow a clear view of the crystal glass: The facet cut of the glass shimmers through the gold arms and refracts the light with every movement. The gilded, smoothly curved handle is placed on the side of the holder, cool and stable in the hand.

SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast in Northern Russia, has been producing niello silver since 1683. The niello tradition of this city carries a geographically protected designation of origin; genuine niello from Veliky Ustyug may only be produced there. In 1937, this tradition received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. This tea glass holder goes through six production stages: shaping of the silver blank, hand engraving of the ornament, niello melting, grinding and exposing the pattern, gilding of the filigree arches and the handle, final polishing. The Russian Federal Assay Chamber confirms the 925 alloy with its hallmark, the master's personal manufacturer's mark is also present.

Usage and occasions

The Turkish tea glass shape, called Cay bardagi in Turkish, keeps the tea warm in the lower, narrower part, while the upper, wider end remains cool when drinking. The crystal glass in this holder precisely follows this geometry, while the silver holder grips it at the waist without obscuring the shape. Weighing approximately 115 grams in total, the piece feels substantial but not heavy in the hand. As a wedding gift, this tea glass holder is suitable for a new beginning, as well as an exceptional present for tea lovers who want to combine oriental tea culture with Russian silver art. This piece is also an enrichment for collectors who appreciate Russian goldsmithing with unusual forms. The glass can be easily removed from the holder for cleaning and refilling.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is very limited on this model, as the outer wall is largely taken up by the filigree and the niello band. Please contact us before ordering, we will work with you to determine which area is suitable for a subtle engraving. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format 15 x 10 cm landscape, individually designed and suitable for the occasion. It is currently free of charge.

Care

Glass and silver holder are separable, which makes cleaning easier. Clean the crystal glass normally with warm water. Wash the silver holder exclusively by hand: lukewarm, mild dish soap, soft cloth. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner, these methods attack gilding and niello inlay. For the polished silver surfaces on the base, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference to a classic Podstakannik?
A Podstakannik is the Russian term for a tea glass holder. This holder follows the same principle, silver holder and glass vessel with a handle on the metal, but in a Turkish instead of a Russian cylindrical glass shape.

Can the crystal glass be replaced?
Yes, the glass sits in the holder and can be removed, which is practical for cleaning and refilling. If damaged, contact us and we will check if a replacement glass is available.

Is the item suitable for hot drinks?
Yes, the crystal glass is designed for hot drinks. The gilded handle remains comfortable to hold, even when the tea is still hot. Let the water cool down briefly before pouring, instead of pouring boiling water directly.

You might also be interested in

Further models with tea glass and silver holders can be found in our selection of table silver and silverware made of 925 silver. For more occasion ideas, take a look at our gift ideas made of 925 silver.