Butter dish “Prestige” – 925 silver, gold-plated, niello hand engraving

A rectangular table box made of 925 sterling silver, covered on the outside with floral hand-engraved niello, and fully gilded on the inside and base — the "Prestige" butter dish does not follow the typical round or oval butter dish shape, but rather the logic of a piece of tableware. Measuring 180 × 120 × 69.4 millimeters, it comfortably accommodates a standard 250-gram block of butter, and with a net weight of approximately 425 grams, it feels like a solid piece of silverware in the hand. Lifting the lid reveals a change in color: silver and black niello ornamentation on the outside, warm gold on the inside.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, black niello inlay, 24-karat gold plating on the interior and base
• Shape: Rectangular table box with a removable lid, sculptural handle centered on top
• Dimensions: L 180 × W 120 × H 69.4 mm
• Weight: approx. 425 g (manufacturing tolerance ±5%)
• Collection: Prestige
• Niello ornament: floral filigree on the four outer sides and on the lid
• Gold plating: full coverage on inner walls and base, accents on the top rim and handle
• Hallmark: yes
• Packaging: Gift box with interior padding

Material and Craftsmanship

The exterior of the box features a floral niello ornament that extends across the four outer walls and the lid — not a single module, but a fully composed narrative of ornaments that continues across the edges. Niello is an ancient technique: a dark melt is fused into hand-engraved silver lines and permanently bonded to the metal — not a print, not a coating, but ink in silver. Gold-plated accents on the top edge and handle create points of light that structure the niello surface.

Inside, the language shifts completely: the walls and base are thickly gilded, polished, and warm in tone. This gold plating is the true theatrical effect of the box — when the lid is lifted, it changes from cool black-silver to warm gold. The sculptural handle on the lid is a standalone element, ergonomically designed and a secure gripping point for a box of noticeable weight. The box comes from the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, whose niello signature dates back to the Veliky Ustyug niello tradition, first mentioned in writing in 1683.

Usage and Occasions

The obvious use is the one for which it is named: serving butter in style instead of placing it on the table in its commercial packaging. Furthermore, the rectangular shape is more versatile as a serving surface than a round dish — cheese cubes can be arranged in rows, and chocolates or tapas appetizers can be placed side by side. As a gift, the Prestige butter dish is suitable for occasions that justify a prestigious piece of tableware: for a silver wedding anniversary after 25 years together, for a milestone birthday of someone who appreciates their own table culture, or for an anniversary as an addition to the couple's existing silverware.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

There are clear silver surfaces on the underside of the base or on the lower edge of the lid that are suitable for engraving — initials, a date, or a short dedication. The niello outer surfaces themselves are not suitable for engraving due to the fired-on ornament, nor is the gilded interior. Contact us with your desired text, and we will check the feasibility on the specific piece. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed, tailored to the occasion, and free of charge.

Care

Clean the box exclusively by hand with warm water, a mild pH-neutral detergent, and a soft cotton cloth. Dry the inner walls and base immediately with a second soft cloth so that no water spots form on the gold plating. For the niello exterior, the same soft cloth is sufficient — do not use silver polish on the niello surfaces, as it would damage the black inlay. We advise against using a dishwasher, as aggressive detergents and salt contact can damage both the gold plating and the niello.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the box, and does a standard piece of butter fit inside?

The box measures 180 × 120 × 69.4 millimeters and holds a standard 250-gram block of butter upright, with some room to spare on the sides.

Why is the inside gilded while the outside shows niello?

This layering of materials is the true character of the Prestige line: cool niello ornamentation on silver on the outside, warm gold on the inside. The contrast becomes visible as soon as the lid is lifted, turning a butter dish into a small piece of theater.

Is personal engraving possible?

To a limited extent, yes. There are clear silver surfaces on the underside of the base or on the lower edge of the lid. The niello and gold-plated surfaces themselves are not suitable for engraving. Speak to us about your request, and we will check the feasibility on the piece.

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