Carafe 925 silver turtledove

A 925 sterling silver carafe with a niello turtle dove motif, without gilding — bright and dark, silver and black, nothing else. The SevChern teardrop-shaped pitcher features a hinged lid with a silver knob and a curved handle; its oval medallion displays a pair of doves amidst floral tendrils. With a capacity of 1,500 ml, it is made for the dining table — for water, wine or juice, and for occasions that celebrate permanence.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver (without gilding)
• Technique: Niello inlay with turtle dove motif
• Dimensions: D 120 × W 180 × H 260 mm
• Capacity: 1,500 ml
• Weight: approx. 1,060 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Engraving field: upon request (medallion blank or with motif)
• Engraving: customizable upon request
• Delivery: in gift packaging
• Hallmark: confirms 925 fineness and manufacturer

An oval medallion, engraved in black niello, adorns the carafe's belly, featuring a pair of turtle doves amidst floral tendrils. Every line — the doves' feathers, the leaf veins, the flower stems — has been hand-cut into the silver. The oval medallion can also be left blank upon request: a polished field awaiting individual engraving, instead of being filled with the motif. Turtle doves have always symbolized lovers and faithfulness.

Material and workmanship

Niello inlay work begins with engraving: every line is hand-cut into the silver. Subsequently, a dark alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is melted into the indentations in liquid form. It chemically bonds with the base metal, forming a unity that endures for decades. SevChern crafts each carafe in over 15 steps in its atelier in Veliky Ustyug — a northern Russian city that has been regarded as a center for niello silver art since the 17th century. What is often machine-silvered in the European silver industry is created here as inlay work from the depth of the metal.

Usage and occasions

A capacity of 1,500 ml makes the carafe a serving piece for the dining table — for water, wine, juice, or whatever is to be served. As a gift, it is particularly suitable for a silver wedding anniversary — 25 years of faithfulness, celebrated with a piece that bears the bird of faithfulness. It also makes a good wedding gift, especially in combination with two goblets from the same turtle dove collection. The collection is designed to be modular: each piece can be reordered separately and features the same motif.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The polished silver between the niello bands offers space for an engraving – a date, initials, a dedication. Upon request, the oval medallion can be left blank as an engraving field, providing space for a family crest, a company emblem, or a personal symbol. If desired, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm – individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and currently free of charge.

Care

Soft cloth, lukewarm water — that's all it takes. Do not use aggressive silver dips, as these can damage the niello inlay. The niello is chemically bonded and very robust. Over time, the contrasts between silver and niello deepen — a natural process that enhances the piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order the carafe with an engraving field?
Yes – the oval medallion can be left blank upon request, as a polished field for an engraving. You can then choose to have the carafe with a floral motif in the oval or with a blank field for initials, a crest, or an emblem.

Is the carafe suitable as a wedding gift?
Yes – especially in combination with two goblets from the turtle dove collection. Turtle doves symbolize lovers, and 925 silver stands for permanence.

How do I care for the niello carafe?
Soft cloth, lukewarm water. Do not use aggressive silver dips, as these can damage the niello inlay. The niello is chemically bonded and very robust.

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You can find more pieces for the festive table in our collection Tableware & Silverware. For suitable gift ideas, also check out our Gift Ideas.