Child's Mug, 925 Silver Niello — Girl Kitten, 125 ml

Some gifts are chosen in an hour, others accompany a child for a lifetime. This child's cup made of 925 sterling silver belongs to the second kind: a playful kitten with a bow adorns the side, framed by a fine ornamental band with fish motifs — not printed, but permanently worked into the silver through niello. For parents, godparents, and grandparents looking for a piece for a girl's baptism or birth that won't disappear into a drawer but will be used, loved, and eventually passed down.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, high-gloss polished, with niello decoration
• Motif: girl-kitten with bow, continuous ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: approx. 95 g
• Shape: round base, loop handle
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: available on request
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

Niello is not paint and not a sticker, but an inlay work that has been practiced since antiquity. The kitten motif is first hand-engraved into the silver, then a dark alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is melted into the depressions. After polishing, the drawing remains permanently in the metal as a deep black contrast — not applied, but part of the silver itself. Fifteen steps lie between the raw silver sheet and the finished cup, each performed by hand. It is manufactured by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, a manufactory in northern Russia whose niello tradition has been documented since 1683. Curated for SilberKosmos, so that this craftsmanship also finds its place in Germany.

The collection

With a capacity of 125 ml, a diameter of 68 mm, and a height of 57 mm, the cup is proportioned for small children's hands. The loop handle can be gripped securely, and the round base ensures stability — at approx. 95 g, it rests calmly in the hand without appearing too heavy. 925 sterling silver is food-safe and suitable for all drinks, whether water, tea, or milk. What serves as a first drinking cup today will later become a storage vessel for small treasures — and eventually an heirloom for the next generation.

Special features and symbolism

The kitten has always stood for curiosity, grace, and independence — qualities that parents and godparents wish for a girl who discovers the world with open eyes. The bow and the playful lettering on the cup give the motif a warm, childlike touch that also endures: niello does not fade, chip, or change over the years. In twenty years, the kitten will be just as clearly visible as on the first day.

Occasions and target groups

As a christening gift, birthday gift, or keepsake for a birth, this cup combines everyday utility with lasting significance. It is aimed at anyone who wants to give a girl something for her baptism or birth that will last beyond the occasion: godparents, grandparents, good family friends. You can find more inspiration in our christening gifts and birth gifts.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

On request, the cup can be engraved with a name, date of birth, or baptism — a short sentence or a monogram is also possible. We will be happy to advise you on placement and font size. Those who order an engraving can also add a SilberVerse card: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, individually designed with a personal message, currently free of charge. So the gift arrives not only with a cup but with a letter that remains.

Care

925 sterling silver tarnishes slightly over time — this is the natural behavior of the metal and not a flaw. A soft silver polishing cloth or commercially available silver cleaner refreshes the shine. Hand washing with mild dish soap and lukewarm water is the gentler method; a dishwasher is not suitable. The niello motif is permanently protected by the melting technique and requires no special caution. Store dry, preferably in the included gift box.

Frequently asked questions

What is niello — and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is an inlay technique: the motif is engraved into the silver, then a dark alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is melted in. After polishing, the niello is part of the metal — not printed, not glued on. It does not fade or chip.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is food-safe, the inner surface is highly polished and suitable for all beverages. Regular hand washing and occasional polishing are sufficient for lasting shine.

What does the kitten motif mean?
The kitten has always been a symbol of curiosity, grace, and independence — qualities that many parents and godparents want to instill in a girl.

You might also be interested in

Discover more christening gifts and birth gifts from our curation of 925 silver pieces for life's smallest moments.