Napkin ring 925 silver gold-plated Astra Classic

The 925 sterling silver gilt napkin ring with niello embellishment from the Astra Classic collection combines internal gilding with an external, floral-geometric niello inlay – a combination that elevates silverware far beyond its simple function. For the festive table at Christmas, for a milestone anniversary, or as a special gift for someone who values Russian silversmithing: Astra Classic brings depth and contrast to a single small object.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, gilded inside
• Embellishment: Niello inlay, floral ornament
• Collection: Astra Classic
• Height: 19 mm
• Length: 38 mm
• Weight: approx. 15.20 g
• Hallmark: yes

The ring is part of the curated Silberkosmos selection of hand-engraved niello art from Veliky Ustyug – we carefully assemble the Astra Classic pieces for our shop.

Material and Workmanship

The interior of the ring is gilded, creating a warm contrast to the cool silver tone of the outer surface. The real special feature lies on this outer surface: a floral-geometric ornament where a dark niello paste has been melted by hand into the finest, previously engraved lines. With niello, there is no correction – if a line is not right, the master starts again from scratch. The result is not a print or a coating, but a permanent bond with the silver itself, best described as ink in silver: dark, durable, anchored beneath the surface of the metal. Over time, and with careful polishing, the contrast between shiny silver and matte niello tends to become stronger rather than weaker.

The Astra Classic Collection

Astra Classic is one of our niello lines with floral-geometric ornamentation – calmer and more classic in structure than pure figural motifs, yet universally applicable for silverware that suits a variety of occasions. Matching pieces from the same line can be easily combined to create a small ensemble for the festive table.

Special Features

The combination of gilding and niello inlay is rarely found in silverware – most suppliers offer either pure gilding or pure engraving, not both in one piece. The hand-engraved niello inlay also means that each piece has small, characteristic peculiarities due to the individual line work of the master – comparable to a personal signature.

Use and Occasions

Astra Classic is suitable for festive dinners, Christmas, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, as well as a particularly valuable guest gift. Those who already own niello silver or appreciate Russian silversmithing will find this ring a suitable, compact addition to their own collection or table.

Care

Silver and gilding should be treated with a soft cloth – do not scrub, so that the gilded inner surface is not worn away. Please also polish the niello surfaces gently: too much pressure will wear off the dark inlay, too little will make the contrast appear faded. Slight deviations in the ornamentation from piece to piece are a sign of handcraft, usually in a more beautiful direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does niello mean for this napkin ring?

Niello is a centuries-old technique where a dark paste is melted by hand into engraved silver lines – not a print, but a permanent bond with the metal. We call our niello artworks Nielloa.

Is the ring gilded inside and out?

The gilding is on the inside; on the outside, the silver with the niello inlay is visible – this contrast is deliberately designed.

Is the ring suitable as a single piece or only as part of a set?

The ring can be ordered as a single piece; for a larger table, you can put together several copies.

You might also be interested in

Further niello silver pieces for the festive table can be found in our 925 Silver Tableware Collection. For more special gift ideas in 925 silver, also check out our 925 Silver Gift Ideas.