"Aurora Silver" – Tea strainer made of silver with niello

A spoon-shaped tea strainer made of 925 sterling silver, with both ends featuring a floral niello ornament in black against polished silver—an elongated field at the handle end and a curved surface at the rim of the strainer marking the transition to the bowl. In between, the silver remains smooth and mirror-polished. A tea strainer with clean lines that becomes even more defined with every polishing over the years.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, niello
• Dimensions: approx. L 135 × W 52.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 56 g
• Included in delivery: tea strainer, gift box

Material and workmanship

The bowl of this spoon strainer is crafted from solid 925 sterling silver and remains largely unadorned, polished, and shiny. The design focuses on two areas: the oval field at the end of the handle, where a floral composition of blossoms and foliage is engraved and filled with black niello paste, and the curved surface at the transition from the handle to the strainer bowl, which continues the same design principle. Niello is not a lacquer or a print, but a black inlay that is fused into engraved depressions, leveled, and polished—like ink in silver. This contrast between the deep black ornament and the bright, polished silver deepens with every polish, rather than dulling over time. The bottom of the strainer is finely perforated for loose-leaf tea.

Usage and occasions

At approximately 135 mm in length, the spoon strainer fits comfortably in the hand and rests easily over a cup. It is suitable for all types of loose-leaf tea and makes an ideal gift for occasions where a piece with history is desired: for a housewarming, as an anniversary gift for someone with an appreciation for Russian silver art, as a personal present for collectors of tableware, or simply for tea lovers who want to elevate an everyday ritual with a special piece.

Care

Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap—no dishwasher, as detergent tabs can damage silver and niello. Rinse out tea residue thoroughly after each use. The niello ornament is fused into the metal and does not require special care, but it should not be exposed to abrasive cleaners. The shine can be refreshed with a soft silver polishing cloth, which additionally deepens the contrast with the black niello. Store in a dry place protected from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is niello, and why does it get more beautiful over time rather than worse?

Niello is a black inlay that is fused into engraved lines, leveled, and polished—like ink in silver. It is permanently set in the metal. The more it is polished, the clearer the contrast between the bright silver and the deep black ornament becomes.

Which cups and teapots is this strainer suitable for?

At 135 mm in length, it rests securely on standard tea cups and most teapot openings and is equally suitable for black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and fruit tea.

Is the strainer heavier than comparable stainless steel models?

Yes, at approx. 56 g, it is noticeably heavier in the hand than a steel strainer. The weight is a deliberate expression of the solid 925 silver from which it is made.

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