Dessert fork 925 silver gold-plated Astra Gold

Gold as the base tone, black as the contrast – this dessert fork from the Astra Gold collection combines two finishing techniques in one piece. The handle is made of 925 sterling silver, gilded and adorned with a deeply engraved floral niello pattern. The result is more festive than either technique on its own – a piece that looks just as striking by candlelight as it does in daylight.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gilded, niello
• Collection: Astra Gold
• Length: approx. 165 mm
• Width: approx. 22 mm
• Weight: approx. 36.5 g
• Hallmark: yes
• Delivery: in a gift box

Materials and craftsmanship

Astra Gold brings together several stages of craftsmanship: first, the silver is gilded; then the workshop engraves the floral ornament in fine detail; only then is the niello compound melted into the recesses. Niello – often described as “ink in silver” – is not an applied color but a sulfur alloy that bonds firmly with the silver through a chemical and physical process. This ensures the black contrast lasts and even gains depth over time with polishing. The floral ornament is the same flowing vine motif found on other pieces in the Astra family – here, however, the combination of gold and black gives it a third, particularly festive dimension.

Uses and occasions

Golden weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries – Astra Gold is the dessert cutlery for occasions when gold is no accident but a deliberate choice. At approx. 165 mm long and weighing approx. 36.5 g, the fork sits comfortably balanced in the hand. Anyone familiar with the Astra family knows that Astra Black, Astra Non-Niello, and Astra Gold share the same floral pattern but differ in their finishes. Combining different versions creates a table setting with depth – distinct techniques that are still recognizable as part of the same family.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The ornament already fills most of the handle, so options for additional engraving are limited. If you’d like to try, add the engraving service to your cart: after you order, we’ll check the piece to see which areas are available and refund the flat fee if engraving isn’t possible. As a personal finishing touch, we recommend our SilberVerse card: a custom-designed card in 15 × 10 cm photo format, free of charge and tailored to the occasion and recipient.

Care

Gilded niello silver is best cared for with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and the dishwasher – although the niello ornament is fused into the silver and is durable, harsh cleaners can dull the gilding. With proper care, Astra Gold will retain its warm glow for many years.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Astra Gold and Astra Non-Niello?
Both are gilded, but Astra Gold also features a black niello inlay in the engraving. With Astra Non-Niello, the ornament remains open and gold, without the dark contrast – making Astra Gold more striking and festive.

What is the difference between Astra Gold and Astra Black?
Astra Black is not gilded – its ornament appears black on silver. Astra Gold combines gilding with niello: black on gold. This gives it a warmer base tone while preserving the contrast.

Is the gilding durable?
Yes, with proper care. Gilding on silver is a well-established technique that lasts a very long time with gentle handling. Important: no dishwasher, no abrasive cleaners.

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Discover the entire Astra family in table silver and silver cutlery, or find more ideas in our 925 sterling silver gift ideas.