Sterling Silver Niello Shot Glass Set, 7-Piece — Stopka with Tray

Six shot glasses and a tray — made of polished 925 sterling silver, fully gold-plated on the inside, with a continuous niello floral band on the outside that instantly shows the difference between mass-produced goods and manufacture. Each cup holds 30 ml, weighs 64 g, and stands on a gold-plated base ring — classic Stopka shape, secure and stable. The tray features the same niello border on the rim and a gold-plated outer ring. Together, a serving ensemble that speaks volumes on the table without being loud.

The Floral Band — Niello and Gold on Polished Silver

In the upper third of each cup, a broad niello band with stylized floral medallions runs — symmetrically arranged, black on silver, with gold-plated accents between the blossoms. Below it lies the polished silver surface, blank and serene, until a second, narrower niello band finishes the cup at the base. This structure — ornament at the top, tranquility in the middle, ornament at the bottom — is typical of the SevChern manufacture in Veliky Ustyug: an ornament that breathes, rather than screams. The niello technique itself is a black sulfur-silver alloy melted into the hand engraving at 800 degrees — durable, high-contrast, and only deeper with each polish.

The internal gold plating of both cups and the tray is both functional and aesthetic: fine gold protects the silver from alcohol and acid, imparts no taste of its own, and provides the warm gold tone that glows from the cup when poured. The black-silver-gold triad runs through the entire set — from the cup over the base to the edge of the tray.

Six Cups, One Tray — for a Table with Poise

A 7-piece set from a single line is not a jumble — it's an ensemble. All six cups bear the same ornament, stand on the same gold base, and when arranged on the round tray, create a picture that goes beyond individual cups. The tray itself features the niello floral border as an outer ring and a gold-plated center — a standalone piece that works on the table even without the cups. Together, they are seven pieces that say: No plastic cups here. This is a serious celebration.

The set comes from the SevChern manufacture in Veliky Ustyug in northern Russia — one of Russia's three major niello centers, along with Tula and Kubachi in the Caucasus. The manufacture has been operating there for 340 years, officially recognized as Russian folk art. Each cup undergoes 15 work steps from hand engraving to niello inlay to polishing. Slight differences between the six cups are a signature of craftsmanship — not a defect, but proof that no robot was at work.

Who gifts this set and for what occasion

Six cups cover the full table: an anniversary among friends, a company anniversary where the core team should toast, a family celebration where father, grandfather, and four sons drink together, a silver wedding where the couple celebrates with their closest four. It's a set for moments when the toast isn't to a crowd, but to a circle — small enough to be personal, large enough to fill a celebration.

As a gift, the set is particularly suitable for discerning men: for a milestone birthday (50th, 60th), retirement, or as a high-level business partner gift. But also as family silver that stands on the table for generations — children grow up, the cups remain. And if the group of six is too large: our Charka set for two or the Perevyortyshi set Gold Oak for three. If you want to read the history of Russian tumblers: Perevyortyshi — Why you shouldn't put the cup down.

Serving — ice cold, in a circle, with Zakuski

The set, along with the spirits bottle, goes into the freezer for ten minutes. The silver is ice cold when you pour, and it further cools the drink as it fills — a physical effect that crystal cannot achieve. Pour, make a toast, clink glasses — the clinking of silver is part of the ritual. In Russian table culture, toasts follow a fixed order: first to the hosts, then to the parents, then to the future. And never neat: pickled cucumber, herring on black bread, caviar, smoked bacon. Ice-cold vodka plus hearty zakuski is mandatory, not optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you drink from these cups?
Traditionally, ice-cold vodka — but also fruit brandies, liqueurs, or fine gin. The silver further cools the drink. And always with Zakuski: pickled cucumber, herring, caviar, black bread.

Why gold-plated inside?
Fine gold protects the silver from corrosion by alcohol and acid, imparts no taste of its own, and creates a warm contrast to the dark niello outside. This has been the standard for Russian silversmiths since the 18th century.

What distinguishes classic Stopka from Perevyortyshi?
The Stopka has a flat base — you can put it down whenever you want. The Perevyortyshi has no base — you have to drink it empty before you can put it down. This set consists of classic Stopki for comfortable enjoyment. For the "drink-it-empty" ritual: our Perevyortyshi with onion domes.

What occasion is this set suitable for?
Anniversary, milestone birthday, company anniversary, family dinner, silver wedding. Six cups cover the full circle — personal enough to be genuine, large enough to celebrate. Also as a display piece. More ideas: Luxury Gifts for Men.

Can I buy individual cups if one is damaged?
SevChern produces individual reproductions in the same line upon request. Contact us — we will clarify availability with the manufacturer.