Stemmed glass, 925 silver, niello, church Veliky Ustyug — gilded

A chalice that shows its origin instead of concealing it. On the bowl of this stemmed glass, mirrored on both sides, sits a cathedral with onion domes and an Orthodox cross — framed by a golden halo and dense floral niello ornamentation. This is an image of the city where this silver is made: Veliky Ustyug in northern Russia, one of the great centers of niello art for more than 340 years. Made of 925 sterling silver, with a fine gold finish on the inside, rim, and base, it's perfect for a mindful sip of cognac, liqueur, or balsamic.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, fine gold plating (fully inside, rim, base)
• Dimensions: Ø 65 mm × H 135 mm
• Volume: approx. 90 ml
• Weight: approx. 150 g
• Technique: Hand-engraved niello
• Motif: Veliky Ustyug Cathedral with halo, mirrored on both sides
• Base: Diamond-leaf pattern in niello
• Delivery: in a gift box

Material and Workmanship

Niello is considered one of the oldest finishing techniques in silversmithing — a black metal alloy is melted into the finest, hand-drawn engraving lines, forming a chemical-physical bond with the silver. No lacquer, no coating that peels off over time. On this chalice, it creates the image of a cathedral with characteristic onion domes, framed by a halo, whose golden lines stand out particularly clearly against the deep black niello. The motif is identically repeated on both sides of the bowl — no matter from which direction you view the chalice, the church faces you. Dense floral ornamentation entwines around the medallion, and the foot bears a delicate diamond-leaf pattern that picks up the ornamentation of the bowl and continues it downwards. The interior of the chalice is fully lined with fine gold, as are the rim and base edge — a gilding that gives the silver a warm glow and also serves a practical function: it protects the silver surface from the acidity of cognac or liqueur and does not impart any taste to the drink. The motif itself comes from the ornamental tradition of the Veliky Ustyug region, where niello silversmithing has been cultivated since the 17th century, alongside the centers of Tula and Kubachi in the Caucasus.

Usage and Occasions

With a capacity of 90 ml, this chalice is not a vessel for a quick sip, but for a conscious one: cognac, liqueur, a dense balsamic, or a fine grappa find the right amount here. The chalice shape with its slender baluster stem rests comfortably in the hand, and the weight of approximately 150 g gives the piece a noticeable, pleasant heft. For an adult baptism, church anniversary, or confirmation, this chalice is a gift with spiritual depth — the cathedral with its Orthodox cross and the chalice shape itself are reminiscent of liturgical use, in a private, secular form. It is equally suitable for a significant birthday or anniversary, when a gift is sought that extends beyond the moment and finds a permanent place in the display cabinet. Those who collect Russian silversmithing or have a special connection to Orthodox culture will find in this chalice a piece with clear provenance and a story to tell.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Engraving is possible upon request — the bowl is completely covered on both sides with the cathedral motif and niello ornament, but space for initials, a date, or a short saying can often be found on the base or at the stem. We check this individually before an engraving is carried out. For personalization, we can include a SilberVerse card in landscape format (15 × 10 cm) upon request — a digitally individually designed card for the occasion, recipient, and message, each a unique piece and currently free of charge.

Care

Clean by hand with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid dishwashers and aggressive cleaners or abrasives, as they can damage both the gilding and the niello surface. A high-quality silver polishing cloth maintains the shine of the polished surfaces. Over time and with occasional polishing, the contrasts between silver, gold, and niello black will deepen further — the chalice will gain expression rather than lose its shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which church is depicted on the chalice?
A cathedral with onion domes and an Orthodox cross from Veliky Ustyug, the city where this niello silver is made. Veliky Ustyug has been one of the significant Russian centers of niello art since the 17th century.

Can one drink from the chalice?
Yes — 925 silver is food-safe, as is the fine gold plating inside. With approx. 90 ml, the chalice is particularly suitable for cognac, liqueur, or balsamic. After use, clean by hand with warm water and mild detergent.

Is engraving possible?
Upon request — we check individually whether and where there is space for personalization on the base or at the stem, as the bowl is completely covered with the motif and ornament.

You Might Also Be Interested In

If you are looking for more pieces for the festive table, take a look at our Table Silver and Silverware Collection — from chalices to bowls to cutlery. For more gift ideas in 925 silver, suitable for anniversaries, baptisms, or special occasions, browse our Gift Ideas.