The tea strainer “Nielloa Tea Egg” with chain - 925 silver

A tea ball is the most compact form for loose-leaf tea: a perforated sphere that opens, is filled with tea leaves, and is lowered into the cup on a chain. This tea ball, crafted from 925 sterling silver, features a lyre-shaped pendant with a floral niello ornament and belongs to the Nielloa collection by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions: approx. L154 × W32 mm (including chain)
• Weight: approx. 30 g
• Shape: spherical, perforated tea ball with hinge, on a silver chain
• Decoration: floral-ornamental niello on a lyre-shaped pendant
• Collection: Nielloa
• Included: 1 tea ball on a chain + gift box

Material and craftsmanship

The sphere itself remains simply polished silver with fine perforations, allowing the tea's aroma to infuse into the cup. At the upper end of the chain sits a lyre-shaped pendant, its surface entirely covered with a floral niello ornament — tendrils and floral shapes fused darkly into the silver. Niello is not a coating, but a black inlay that is fused into engraved lines, ground flush, and polished — like ink in silver. The ornament cannot peel or fade because it has become part of the metal itself. SevChern from Veliky Ustyug performs this hand-engraving — each master with their own distinct signature in the linework.

Use and occasions

To brew, the ball is opened, filled with loose tea, and closed again. The chain rests over the rim of the cup so the ball can be safely retrieved. A silver tea ball makes a thoughtful gift for those who cherish tea as a daily ritual — for birthdays, Mother's Day, housewarmings, or as a small yet elegant gesture alongside a larger gift. If you want to give a gift to a guest with a penchant for tea without choosing an entire tea set, this piece is a compact yet high-quality choice.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

If you wish, we will engrave a dedication on the pendant: simply add the engraving service to your cart, and after your order we will check on the piece which surface is suitable and agree on the wording with you. If an engraving is not possible, we will refund the flat fee. On request, we include a SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm landscape-format photo, digitally designed and individually inscribed, free of charge. This turns the tea ball into a complete, personal gift.

Care

Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly after each use. Tea residue can be removed with a soft brush — no dishwasher, no scouring agents. Dab the niello ornament gently, do not rub; the surface tends to become more contrast-rich rather than duller with every gentle polish.

Frequently asked questions

Which types of tea is the tea ball suitable for?

For all loose-leaf teas — black tea, green tea, oolong, herbal and fruit tea. For very finely cut tea, an additional paper filter insert may be useful to prevent particles from passing through the perforation.

How does a tea ball differ from a tea strainer spoon?

The tea ball hangs in the cup on a chain and is pulled out by the end of the chain. A tea strainer spoon, however, is held by the handle and submerged directly — practical if you prefer not to leave the strainer hanging.

What does the niello ornament on the pendant mean?

It is a floral pattern using the traditional niello technique, which has been cultivated in Veliky Ustyug for centuries. The tendril and floral shapes are purely decorative and are not tied to any specific symbol.

You might also be interested in

Further tableware for the tea table can be found in our selection of 925 sterling silver tableware and silverware. If you are looking for a suitable gift for another occasion, take a look at our gift ideas made from 925 silver.