"Aurora Gold" – Gold-plated tea strainer made of silver with niello

The same spoon sieve as its silver counterpart – only completely gilded. The warm gold tone encloses two untouched silver fields with black niello hand-engraving: an elongated one at the end of the handle, and a curved one at the transition to the sieve basket. The contrast between shiny gold and the light, finely engraved ornamental areas is the principle that distinguishes this piece from its purely silver version. Made by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling silver, niello hand-engraving, gilding
• Design: floral niello ornaments on silver fields, surrounded by gilded areas
• Dimensions: approx. L 135 × W 52.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 56 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: 925 silver stamp present
• Scope of delivery: tea strainer, gift box

Material and workmanship

The basket of this spoon sieve is made of 925 Sterling silver and is almost completely gilded. Two fields are left unplated: one at the end of the handle, and one at the transition from the handle to the sieve basket. There, the silver is left ungilded and features floral niello hand-engraving — blossoms and foliage, filled with black niello compound, which has been melted into the engraved silver. The effect is a double contrast: warm gold against bright silver, and bright silver against deep black ornament. The niello decoration is handmade — each line is engraved by hand before the niello alloy is applied and fired. The sieve base is finely perforated and designed for loose tea of all kinds.

Niello hand-engraving from Veliky Ustyug

Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda region has been considered the center of Russian niello art since its first written mention in 1683. SevChern (officially SAO Severnaya Chern) continues this Veliky Ustyug tradition — the manufactory itself was founded in 1933 as an artel and was awarded a gold medal at the World's Fair in Paris in 1937. Each piece bears the manufactory mark of the executing artist.

Use and occasions

With a length of approx. 135 mm, the spoon sieve fits comfortably in the hand and over the cup, suitable for all types of loose tea. As a gift, it is suitable for occasions where gold and silver can appear together: for Easter, for a round birthday, as an addition to an existing silver tea set, or as a gift for collectors of Russian niello silver works who are looking for the gilded variant alongside the silver one.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An engraving is possible on the stem of the tea strainer upon request — initials, a date, or a short dedication. Upon request, we also include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape, individually designed and suitable for the occasion. Currently free of charge. Simply specify your request in the order field.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water and mild dish soap — no dishwasher. Do not use silver dip, as this would damage the niello inlays and the gilding. Treat the gilded areas with a soft cloth, do not use abrasive polishes. Store dry and protected from light in the gift box.

Frequently asked questions

Why are only two fields ungilded?

The niello hand-engraving is on pure silver so that the contrast to the black ornament remains maximal. If these fields were also gilded, the fine engraving would disappear in the warm gold tone.

Is this tea strainer also available without gilding?

Yes — in our tableware collection you will find the purely silver version with the same niello design.

Is this tea strainer also available as part of a set?

In the gift ideas collection you will find other pieces made of 925 silver that are suitable as an addition to a teapot, cups, and spoons.

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