Silver bowl with lid 925 silver gold-plated

444 grams of solid silver, a lid that sits precisely on the base, and a triad of gilded arabesques, polished silver, and a deep niello band. Anyone looking for a covered box that immediately draws attention on any set table or in any display case will find a representative piece in the style of Russian Historicism here.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, partially gilded, niello
• Shape: round, cloche (bell-shaped), two-piece
• Diameter: 140.5 mm
• Height: 92 mm
• Weight: 444 g
• Lid ornamentation: gilded arabesques (hand-engraved)
• Base ornamentation: continuous niello band, geometric-floral tendrils
• Feet: 3, gilded
• Knob: gilded, smoothly polished
• Hallmark: yes
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

The lid and base of this serving dish speak two different languages, which precisely complement each other. Gilded arabesques cover the entire dome of the lid: palmettes, heart-shaped medallions, and curved tendrils, hand-engraved into the silver and gilded. A continuous niello band with geometric-floral spiral tendrils runs along the base. Niello is not a paint or lacquer, but a dark silver alloy that is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver. The band visually grounds the piece and ensures a balanced relationship between gold, silver, and black. The dish is made of solid 925 sterling silver, not silver-plated and not coated, and is hallmarked. A piece like this goes through several production stages, from shaping the silver blank to hand engraving, gilding the ornamental lines, niello melting on the base, and final polishing.

Use and occasions

Function follows form: A covered box of this size and weight is suitable for chocolates, confections, cheese cubes, honeycombs, or fine appetizers. The inner diameter of 140.5 mm offers genuine usable space, the lid protects the contents from air and light, and the three feet slightly lift the piece from the table. As a decorative object, the dish also works without contents, on a sideboard, in a glass display cabinet, or on a mantelpiece. For a wedding, it is a gift that conveys the message: This beginning deserves a piece that endures. For a round anniversary, golden wedding anniversary, or 60th birthday, it suits people for whom ordinary attention is not enough. For collectors of Russian silver art, with niello and gilding on solid 925 silver, it is a serious addition to the display cabinet.

Care

Solid 925 silver with gilding and niello requires only hand washing with lukewarm water and a mild dish soap. No dishwasher, no ultrasonic cleaner, and no silver dip bath, as these methods can damage the gilding and niello inlay. For the polished silver surfaces, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. The gilded ornamental lines are robust but not indestructible, so do not use scouring agents or abrasive cloths. The niello band on the base is permanently melted in and requires no special care, only avoiding aggressive chemicals. Store dry, ideally in the included gift box.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a gilded silver dish and one made of solid gold?

This dish is made of solid 925 sterling silver; the weight of 444 g is silver, not gold. The gilding applies to the ornamental lines on the lid, as well as the knob and edge areas, as a permanent gold layer on the silver base.

Can the dish be used for serving?

Yes, 925 sterling silver is generally suitable for table use. It is important to hand wash only, without a dishwasher, and the piece will maintain its quality for years.

What distinguishes real 925 silver from silver-plated tableware?

Silver-plated tableware has a silver coating on another base metal, which wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid; the entire wall thickness consists of the silver alloy and can be polished, repaired, and passed down.

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