Children's Cup, 925 Silver with Squirrel Motif — Niello, 125 ml

Not every gift for a child needs to choose between pink and blue. This children's cup made of 925 sterling silver features a squirrel, framed by floral elements and a surrounding ornamental band — a gender-neutral motif that suits both girls and boys equally. The image is permanently incorporated into the silver using niello; it is not a print or a sticker. For anyone looking for a christening or birth gift that is not tied to a specific gender and still tells its own story.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, high-polished, with niello decor
• Motif: Squirrel with floral elements, surrounding ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: approx. 95 g
• Shape: round base, loop handle
• Fineness: 925 sterling silver
• Engraving: possible upon inspection
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

Niello is neither paint nor lacquer, but a black inlay that is melted into finely engraved depressions – like ink in silver. The squirrel, the floral elements, and the ornamental band are first hand-engraved into the silver, then the niello compound is heated and applied. After cooling, the surface is polished until the deep black niello is precisely flush with the shiny silver. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia — a workshop whose niello works have been documented since 1683. Curated for SilberKosmos so that this rare craftsmanship finds its way to German families.

The collection

125 ml is the right size for small children — a larger cup would be harder to manage. The loop handle rests securely in small hands; with a diameter of 68 mm, a height of 57 mm, and a round base, the cup has a compact, stable shape. Approx. 95 g is a balanced weight for a solid silver object: stable enough without being too heavy. Unlike silver-plated children's tableware, the entire piece is made of 925 sterling silver — the same material inside and out, offering the same durability.

Special features and symbolism

The squirrel is one of the most popular animal motifs for children — curious, agile, skillful, and always on the move. It collects, plans, and acts with foresight. On a 925 silver children's cup, this motif takes on a different quality than on fabric or paper: it is permanent, unchangeable, and part of a piece that grows with the child. The floral elements and the ornamental band frame the figure, giving the cup a composition that acts as a unified whole — a typical hallmark of the niello work from Veliky Ustyug.

Occasions and target groups

The squirrel motif is intentionally gender-neutral and suits girls and boys equally. As a christening gift, birthday present, or keepsake for a birth, it has its own language: nature, liveliness, and a little being discovering the world — just like the child to whom you are giving this cup. Suitable for godparents, grandparents, and anyone who does not yet want to commit to blue or pink. You can find more inspiration in our christening gifts and birth gifts.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

After review, the cup can be engraved: a name, a date, a short sentence. An engraved children's cup thus becomes a piece that belongs uniquely to this child and this moment. If you wish, you can also combine the cup with a SilberVerse card: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, individually designed, free of charge.

Care

925 silver with niello decor is easier to care for than many think. Hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent is sufficient; a soft cloth is enough for drying. No dishwasher, no aggressive cleaning agents. A light tarnish layer can be removed with a silver polishing cloth — the niello itself is resistant to normal care.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes. The 925 sterling silver cup is intended for daily use. The niello is permanently set in the silver and will not be damaged by normal use.

What is niello — and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is a black inlay that is melted into engraved depressions, leveled, and polished — like ink in silver. After polishing, it sits flush with the silver surface — firmly bonded to the metal, not applied.

What does the squirrel motif mean?
The squirrel stands for curiosity, diligence, and skill — a lively being that explores the world, much like a child in their first years of life.

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