Turkish tea glass with silver holder – crystal, niello & gold

A teacup holder made of 925 sterling silver in the shape of the classic Turkish tea glass: narrow at the base, cinched at the waist, wide opening at the top. Open gold filigree and a circumferential niello ornamental band frame the faceted crystal glass, crafted by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Holder: 925 sterling silver, partially gilded, niello
• Filigree: Gold arches at the top, openwork
• Glass: Crystal glass with facet cut
• Handle: Gilded, smoothly curved
• Dimensions: Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: very limited, on request
• Gift box: included

Material and craftsmanship

A wreath of open, golden filigree arches embraces the waist of the crystal glass, with a narrow niello ornamental band running below, marking the transition to the polished silver base. Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver, not a lacquer, not a paint. The pattern was hand-engraved, filled with niello, and polished free, the result is insoluble and does not wear off. The golden filigree arches above allow the faceted crystal glass to shine through, each movement of light refracts anew on the cut surfaces. The gilded, smoothly curved handle makes the glass easy to hold securely, even with hot tea.

SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast in Northern Russia, has been producing niello silver since 1683. The niello tradition of this city carries a geographically protected designation of origin; genuine niello from Veliky Ustyug may only be produced there, comparable to other protected designations of origin in Europe. In 1937, this tradition received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. This teacup holder undergoes six production stages: shaping of the silver blank, hand engraving of the ornament, niello melting, grinding and exposing the pattern, gilding of the arches and handle, final polishing. The Russian Federal Assay Chamber confirms the 925 alloy with its hallmark, and the master's personal manufacturer's mark is also present.

Usage and occasions

The Turkish tea glass shape, Cay bardagi, keeps the tea warm in the lower, narrower part, while the upper, wide end remains cool when drinking. Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm, approx. 115 g: These are the dimensions of a piece that fits comfortably in the hand without feeling heavy. As a display piece, this teacup holder also stands well alone, on a sideboard, in a glass display cabinet, or on a tea table. As a gift for a wedding or anniversary, it suits a new beginning or a shared history. For tea lovers who want to combine oriental form with Russian niello silver art, and for collectors of Russian goldsmithing, this piece is a meaningful choice.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is very limited on this model, as the filigree and niello band cover a large part of the outer wall. Please contact us before ordering, we will check with you which area is suitable for a discreet engraving. On request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format 15 x 10 cm landscape, individually designed and suitable for the occasion. It is currently free of charge.

Care

The glass and silver holder are separable; the glass can be removed and cleaned separately. Wash the silver holder only by hand: lukewarm water, mild detergent, soft cloth. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner, these methods attack the gilding and niello inlay. For the polished silver surfaces on the base, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the piece suitable for hot drinks?
Yes, the crystal glass is designed for hot drinks. The gilded handle remains comfortable to hold, even with hot tea. Do not put it in the dishwasher.

What distinguishes 925 silver from silver-plated tea sets?
Silver-plated tableware has a thin layer of silver on another base metal, which wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid; the entire wall thickness of the holder consists of the silver alloy. The hallmark officially confirms the composition.

Can I have the silver holder engraved with a dedication?
Contact us before ordering; we will review your engraving request and advise you on the possible areas on the holder.

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You can find more models with tea glass and silver holder in our selection of table silver and silver tableware made of 925 silver. For more gift ideas, check out our gift ideas made of 925 silver.