Stemmed glass, 925 silver, niello, church Veliky Ustyug — gilded

A goblet that shows its origin instead of hiding it. On the bowl of this stemmed glass sits a cathedral with onion domes and an Orthodox cross, mirrored on both sides, framed by a golden halo and dense floral niello ornamentation. It is the image of the city where this silver is created: Veliky Ustyug in northern Russia, one of the great centers of niello art for more than 340 years. 925 sterling silver, refined inside and on the rim and base with fine gold, for a mindful sip of cognac, liqueur, or balsam.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, fine gold gilding (fully inside, on rim and base)
• Dimensions: Ø 65 mm × H 135 mm
• Volume: approx. 90 ml
• Weight: approx. 150 g
• Technique: Hand-engraved niello
• Motif: Cathedral from Veliky Ustyug with halo, mirrored on both sides
• Base: Diamond-leaf pattern in niello
• Delivery: in a gift box

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is considered one of the oldest finishing techniques in silversmithing — a black inlay is melted into the finest hand-drawn engraving lines, ground flush, and polished—like ink in silver. No lacquer, no coating that peels off over time. On this goblet, this creates the image of a cathedral with characteristic onion domes, framed by a halo whose golden lines contrast particularly clearly with the deep black niello. The motif is repeated identically on both sides of the bowl—no matter from which direction you view the goblet, the church faces you. Dense floral ornamentation twines around the medallion; the base features a fine diamond-leaf pattern that picks up the ornamentation of the bowl and continues it downwards. The inside of the goblet is completely lined with fine gold, as are the rim and the edge of the base—a gilding that gives the silver a warm glow and at the same time fulfills a practical function: it does not impart any metallic taste to the drink. The motif itself stems from the ornamental tradition of the Veliky Ustyug region, where niello silversmithing has been cultivated since the 17th century, on par with the centers of Tula and Kubachi in the Caucasus.

Usage and occasions

With a capacity of 90 ml, this goblet is not a vessel for a quick drink, but for a mindful one: cognac, liqueur, a dense balsam, or a fine grappa find the right measure here. The goblet shape with its slender baluster stem sits steadily in the hand, and the weight of approx. 150 g gives the piece a tangible, pleasant heft. For an adult baptism, a church anniversary, or a confirmation, this goblet is a gift with spiritual depth—the cathedral with the Orthodox cross and the goblet shape itself are reminiscent of liturgical use, in a private, secular form. It is equally suitable for a milestone birthday or anniversary when looking for a gift that transcends the moment and finds its permanent place in a display cabinet. Anyone who collects Russian silversmithing or has a special connection to Orthodox culture will find in this goblet a piece with a clear origin and a story worth telling.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An engraving is possible after assessment—the bowl is completely covered on both sides with the cathedral motif and niello ornament, but space can often be found on the base or the stem base for initials, a date, or a short inscription. We will check this individually before an engraving is carried out. For personalization, we can include a SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape format upon request—a digitally customized card for the occasion, recipient, and message, each one written individually for the occasion and free of charge.

Care

Clean by hand with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid the dishwasher as well as aggressive cleaners or scouring agents, as they can damage both the gilding and the niello surface. A high-quality silver polishing cloth maintains the shine of the polished surfaces. Over time and with occasional polishing, the contrasts between silver, gold, and niello black will deepen even further—the goblet will gain in expression rather than lose its luster.

Frequently asked questions

Which church is depicted on the goblet?
A cathedral with onion domes and an Orthodox cross from Veliky Ustyug, the city where this niello silver is created. Veliky Ustyug has been one of the significant Russian centers of niello art since the 17th century.

Can you drink from the goblet?
Yes—the inside is gilded with fine gold. With approx. 90 ml, the goblet is particularly suitable for cognac, liqueur, or balsam. Clean by hand after use with warm water and a mild detergent.

Is an engraving possible?
After assessment—we will look individually to see if and where there is space for personalization on the base or the stem base, as the bowl is completely covered with the motif and ornament.

This might also interest you

If you are looking for more pieces for the festive table, it is worth taking a look at our collection of tableware and silver—from goblets to bowls to cutlery. For further gift ideas in 925 silver, suitable for anniversaries, baptisms, or special occasions, browse our gift ideas.