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

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

At a Glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, niello black inlay, 24-carat gold plating on inner and bottom surfaces
• Shape: rectangular table box with 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 Ornamentation: floral filigree on the four exterior sides and on the lid
• Gold Plating: full coverage on inner wall and bottom, accents on the upper edge and handle
• Hallmarks: 925 stamp and manufacturer's hallmark on the underside of the base
• Packaging: gift box with inner padding

Material and Workmanship

The exterior of the box features a floral niello ornament that extends across the four outer walls and the lid — not individual modules, but a fully composed ornamental narrative that continues along the edges. Niello is a millennia-old technique: a dark enamel is melted into hand-engraved silver lines and permanently bonded with the metal — not a print, not a coating, but ink in silver. Gold-plated accents on the upper edge and handle create focal points that structure the niello surface.

Inside, the language changes completely: the walls and bottom are densely gold-plated, polished, and warm in tone. This gilding is the actual staging 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 an independent element, ergonomically shaped and a secure gripping point for a box with noticeable weight. The box comes from the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, whose niello signature dates back to the Veliky Ustyug niello tradition with its first written mention in 1683.

Use and Occasions

The obvious use is the eponymous one: serving butter elegantly instead of placing it on the table in its sales packaging. The rectangular shape is also more versatile as a serving surface than a round dish — cheese cubes can be arranged in rows, chocolates and tapas bites can be placed side by side. As a gift, the Prestige butter dish suits occasions that warrant a representative table piece: for a silver wedding anniversary after 25 years together, for a milestone birthday of someone with their own table culture, or for a wedding anniversary as an addition to the shared silverware collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

There are free silver areas on the underside of the base or on the lower rim of the lid that are suitable for engraving — initials, a date, a short dedication. The niello exterior surfaces themselves are not suitable for engraving due to the etched ornament, nor is the gold-plated interior. Contact us with your desired text; we will check the feasibility directly on the specific piece. Upon request, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and currently 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 wall and bottom immediately with a second soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming 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 attack the black inlay. We advise against using a dishwasher, as aggressive cleaners and salt contact can damage both the gold plating and the niello.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the box, and does a standard butter block fit inside?

The box measures 180 × 120 × 69.4 millimeters and accommodates a standard 250-gram block of butter upright, with a little space on the sides.

Why is the inside gold-plated while the outside shows niello?

This material layering is the actual 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, transforming a butter dish into a small showpiece.

Is personal engraving possible?

Limited, yes. There are free silver areas on the underside of the base or on the lower rim of the lid. The niello and gold-plated surfaces themselves are not suitable for engraving. Contact us with your request, and we will check the feasibility for the specific piece.

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