Dinner fork 925 silver gold-plated Astra Classic

The Astra Classic dinner fork demonstrates how gracefully gilding and niello hand-engraving can coexist. A floral ornament, hand-engraved and filled with black niello inlay, rests on the gilded 925 sterling silver — the SevChern manufactory from Veliky Ustyug thus continues a niello tradition documented there since 1683. As a main utensil for the set table or as an addition to an existing service, this fork is suitable for those who do not want to artificially separate everyday life and festive occasions.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gilded
• Embellishment: Niello ornament, Astra pattern
• Dimensions: L 193 mm × W 24.4 mm
• Weight: approx. 44.5 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug — Hallmark present
• Delivery: Gift case included

Material and workmanship

The floral Astra pattern is created by hand engraving: A master guides the graver in a single, uncorrectable line through the silver, after which the niello mass — a dark sulfide alloy — is melted in an open flame. The result is not a print or a coating, but a permanent bond with the metal that, when polished, deepens in contrast rather than wears off. The gilding lies over the 925 sterling silver and frames the ornament with a warm glow.

Use and occasions

As an addition to an existing sterling silver service, this fork is suitable for occasions where the set table itself becomes an expression — a cozy family dinner, a festive menu, or a gift for someone who appreciates table culture. It can be combined with other Astra Classic pieces: dinner spoon, dessert fork, dessert knife, and coffee spoon follow the same pattern and proportions.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Additional name or date engraving is possible upon request — the suitable area is coordinated with the manufactory. Those giving the fork as a gift can include the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm landscape photo, digitally designed and currently free of charge, a personal unique item for presentation.

Care

Rinse by hand and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid the dishwasher, as it will damage both the gilding and the niello inlay over the years. Occasional polishing with a silver polishing cloth maintains the shine and keeps the contrast between gold and niello visible.

Frequently asked questions

Will the gilding last permanently?

With proper care without a dishwasher and aggressive cleaning agents, the gilding remains stable for a long time. It is part of the professional finishing and not applied afterwards.

Can I purchase additional pieces in the same pattern?

Yes — in addition to the dinner fork, the Astra Classic line also includes dinner spoons, dessert cutlery, and coffee spoons, all with the same floral niello ornament and gilding.

Is the fork suitable as a single piece or only in a set?

Both are possible. Many customers start with a single fork or a small set and later add more pieces from the same line.

You might also be interested in

If you would like to see the entire range of sterling silver, you can find more services and individual pieces in the sterling silver and silver flatware collections. For more gift ideas made of 925 silver, it is worth taking a look at the gift ideas made of 925 silver.