Dinner fork 925 silver gold-plated Astra Classic

The Astra Classic dinner fork demonstrates how gracefully gilding and hand-engraved niello can coexist. Resting upon the gold-plated 925 sterling silver is a floral ornament, hand-engraved and filled with black niello inlay—with this, the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug continues a niello tradition that has been documented there since 1683. Whether as a main piece for the table setting or as a complement to an existing set, this fork is perfect for those who do not wish to artificially separate the everyday from the festive.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gold-plated
• Decoration: Niello ornament, Astra pattern
• Dimensions: L 193 mm × W 24.4 mm
• Weight: approx. 44.5 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug — hallmark present
• Delivery: Gift box included

Material and craftsmanship

The floral Astra pattern is created through hand-engraving: a master craftsman guides the burin through the silver in a single, uncorrectable line, after which the niello mass—a dark sulfide alloy—is melted in an open flame. The result is neither a print nor a coating, but a permanent bond with the metal that deepens in contrast rather than wearing down during polishing. The gilding lies over the 925 sterling silver and frames the ornament with a warm glow.

Usage and occasions

As a complement to an existing silverware set, this fork is suitable for occasions where the table setting itself makes a statement—a family dinner, a festive menu, or a gift for someone who appreciates the culture of fine dining. It can be combined with other Astra Classic pieces: the dinner spoon, dessert fork, dessert knife, and coffee spoon follow the same pattern and proportions.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An additional name or date engraving is possible after inspection—the appropriate space will be coordinated with the manufactory. Those gifting the fork can include the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm landscape-format photo, digitally designed and free of charge, with a personal dedication for the presentation.

Care

Wash by hand and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid the dishwasher, as it will attack both the gilding and the niello inlay over time. Occasional polishing with a silver polishing cloth maintains the luster and keeps the contrast between the gold and the niello visible.

Frequently asked questions

Does the gilding remain permanent?

With proper hand care and by avoiding dishwashers and aggressive cleaning agents, the gilding remains stable for a long time. It is part of the professional finishing process and is not applied as an afterthought.

Can I purchase additional pieces in the same pattern later?

Yes—the Astra Classic line includes not only the dinner fork but also dinner spoons, dessert cutlery, and coffee spoons, all featuring the same floral niello ornament and gold plating.

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

Both are possible. Many customers begin with a single fork or a small set and later supplement their collection with further pieces from the same line.

You might also be interested in

Those wishing to see the entire silverware assortment can find further sets and individual pieces in the Tableware and Silverware Collections. For more gift ideas made of 925 silver, take a look at the Gift ideas in 925 silver.