"Aurora Silver" – Tea strainer made of silver with niello

A spoon sieve made of 925 Sterling silver, both ends of which feature a floral niello ornament in black on polished silver – at the handle end in an elongated field, and at the sieve rim in a curved area marking the transition to the bowl. The silver in between remains smooth and highly polished. A tea strainer with a clean line that will only appear sharper with each polish over the years.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, Niello
• Dimensions: approx. L 135 × W 52.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 56 g
• Scope of delivery: Tea strainer, gift box

Material and workmanship

The bowl of this spoon sieve is crafted from solid 925 Sterling silver and remains largely unadorned, polished and gleaming. The design focuses on two areas: the oval field at the end of the handle, where a floral composition of blossoms and foliage is engraved and filled with black niello paste, and the curved area at the transition from the handle to the sieve bowl, which continues the same design principle. Niello is not a lacquer or print, but a dark metal alloy that is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver. This contrast between the deep black ornament and the bright, polished silver deepens with each polish, rather than dulling over time. The sieve bottom is finely perforated for loose tea.

Usage and occasions

With a length of approx. 135 mm, the spoon sieve lies comfortably in the hand and across the cup. It is suitable for all types of loose tea and makes an ideal gift for occasions where a piece with history is desired: for a new home, as an anniversary gift for someone with an appreciation for Russian silver art, as a personal present for collectors of tableware, or simply for tea lovers who want to elevate an everyday ritual with a special piece.

Care instructions

Wash by hand with warm water and mild dish soap – no dishwasher, as dishwasher tablets can damage silver and niello. Rinse tea residues thoroughly after each use. The niello ornament is fused and does not require special care, but it cannot tolerate abrasive cleaners. The shine can be refreshed with a soft silver polishing cloth, which further enhances the contrast with the black niello. Store dry and protected from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is niello, and why does it get more beautiful over time instead of deteriorating?

Niello is a blackening alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is burned into engraved lines. It is permanently set in the metal. The more often it is polished, the clearer the contrast between the bright silver and the deep black ornament becomes.

Which cups and teapots is this sieve suitable for?

With a length of 135 mm, it rests securely on standard teacups and most teapot openings, and is suitable for black tea, green tea, herbal, and fruit teas alike.

Is the sieve heavier than comparable models made of stainless steel?

Yes, at approx. 56 g, it feels noticeably heavier in the hand than a steel sieve. The weight is a deliberate expression of the solid 925 silver from which it is made.

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