Coffee & tea cup 925 silver gold-plated Sovereign

Coffee & Tea Cup "Sovereign" in 925 Sterling Silver Gilt — Niello, Double-Headed Eagle

You hold it in your hand and immediately notice: this is no ordinary cup. 129 g of solid 925 Sterling silver, gilded on the handle, rim, and medallion, with the Russian double-headed eagle on the front — engraved, deep, durable. The "Sovereign" cup is part of the collection of the same name from SevChern in Veliky Ustyug: the same niello motif as the teapot, the sugar bowl, the milk jug. Independent as a single piece, complete as an ensemble.

140 ml — that's tea or coffee for a moment that means something. Not everyday tableware. An object that is noticed when it's on the table.

Gilding and Niello — the Triad in a Small Area

The shape of the cup is flat and wide — a proportion stemming from Russian tea tradition: the drink cools evenly, the aroma remains open. The body is completely covered with the ornamental band of the Sovereign collection: acanthus tendrils in melted niello black, the double-headed eagle medallion in the center, gilded and clearly engraved.

What is gilded — handle, upper rim, medallion background — sets warm gold against the niello black. What remains polished silver — the foot, the struts — gives space to the triad. This system is consistently maintained across all pieces of the Sovereign collection: the same language in every object.

Niello is not enamel and not lacquer. It is a metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into the engraved depressions at around 300 degrees and chemically bonded with the silver. The black is permanently embedded in the metal — not applied, not flaking off. SevChern from Veliky Ustyug has practiced this technique since 1683. The workshops received the gold medal in Paris in 1937. Niello from Veliky Ustyug is not a historical reconstruction — it is active craftsmanship.

Part of the Sovereign Collection — Single Piece or Ensemble

The "Sovereign" cup is designed as a standalone piece — complete with ornament, gilding, and gift box. However, it is also the building block with which a complete tea set can begin or be supplemented.

The collection includes the "Sovereign" teapot as the centerpiece, the "Sovereign" milk jug, the "Sovereign" sugar bowl, and the complete "Sovereign" tea set as an 11-piece set. Whoever starts with the cup already has the occasion for the next piece in hand.

As a Gift — Anniversary, Wedding, Collector

For a milestone birthday or significant anniversary: A silver cup of this category is a gift for people who have everything — except this. 129g of solid silver, double-headed eagle, niello: This explains itself upon unpacking.

For a silver or golden wedding anniversary: Silver for a silver anniversary is not a metaphor — it is the material itself. As a single piece or as part of a larger set given as a group gift.

As a VIP business gift: For executives, ambassadors, leaders — for occasions where a present must reflect the importance of the moment. The cup comes in a gift box and requires no further embellishment.

For collectors of Russian silver tableware: Russian state hallmark, niello from Veliky Ustyug, 925 sterling silver, double-headed eagle motif — all characteristics of a serious collector's item are met.

Engraving, Personalized Card & Care

Individual engraving is possible upon request — please contact us before ordering. As an alternative: a free SilberVerse card in photo format (10×15 cm), individually designed for the occasion and recipient — simply specify when ordering.

Care: Clean gilded silver with a soft cloth. No silver dip (attacks gilding), no dishwasher, no abrasive cleaners. Rinse by hand with lukewarm water, dry immediately. Niello contrasts deepen with regular polishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drinks is the cup suitable for?
With approx. 140 ml, the cup is suitable for strong black tea, espresso, or short coffee specialties. The flat, wide shape is particularly suitable for tea — the drink cools evenly and develops its aroma.

Can I buy the cup without the rest of the set?
Yes. The "Sovereign" cup is available as a single piece — complete with ornament, gilding, and gift box. It can be complemented at any time with other pieces from the Sovereign collection.

Is the gilding durable?
With careful care — no dishwasher, no silver dip, no scrubbing — the gilding on 925 sterling silver is very durable. A soft cloth is sufficient for everyday cleaning.

What occasions is this cup suitable for as a gift?
Silver and golden wedding anniversaries, milestone birthdays from 50 onwards, company anniversaries, VIP business gifts, supplementing an existing Sovereign collection. The cup comes in a gift box and is immediately ready to present.

Is the cup also available as part of a complete tea set?
Yes. The "Sovereign" tea set includes 11 pieces for 2 people — incl. teapot, sugar bowl, cups, saucers, spoons, and tray. All pieces feature the same niello double-headed eagle decor.

From the Sovereign Collection:
"Sovereign" Teapot  |  "Sovereign" Milk Jug  |  "Sovereign" Sugar Bowl  |  "Sovereign" Tea Set

Further recommendations:
Wedding Gifts in 925 Sterling Silver  |  Luxury Gifts in Silver  |  Business Gifts