Turkish tea glass with silver holder – crystal, niello & gold

A 925 sterling silver tea glass holder in the shape of a classic Turkish tea glass: narrow at the base, cinched at the waist, wide flare at the top. Open gold filigree and an encircling niello ornamental band frame the faceted crystal glass, crafted by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a Glance

• Holder: 925 sterling silver, partially gilded, niello
• Filigree: Gold arches at the top, openwork
• Glass: Faceted crystal glass
• Handle: Gilded, smoothly curved
• Dimensions: Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: Present
• Engraving: Very limited, upon request
• Gift box: Included

Material and Workmanship

A wreath of open, golden filigree arches encircles the waist of the crystal glass, beneath which runs a narrow niello ornamental band marking the transition to the polished silver base. Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver – not a lacquer, not a paint. The pattern is hand-engraved, filled with niello, and then ground free; the result is insoluble and does not wear off. The golden filigree arches above allow the faceted crystal glass to shine through, with every movement of light refracting anew on the cut surfaces. The gilded, smoothly curved handle makes the glass easy and safe to hold, even with hot tea.

SevChern manufactures niello silver in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast in Northern Russia, where this art has been documented since 1683. The niello tradition of this city carries a geographically protected designation of origin; genuine niello from Veliky Ustyug may only be produced there, comparable to other protected designations of origin in Europe. In 1937, this tradition received a gold medal at the World's Fair in Paris. This tea glass holder undergoes six production stages: shaping of the silver blank, hand-engraving of the ornament, niello melting, grinding and exposing the pattern, gilding of the arches and handle, and final polishing. The Russian Federal Assay Office confirms the 925 alloy with its hallmark; the personal manufacturer's mark of the master is also present.

Usage and Occasions

The Turkish tea glass shape, Cay bardagi, keeps the tea warm in the lower, narrower part, while the upper, wide end remains cool when drinking. Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm, approx. 115 g: These are the dimensions of a piece that feels good in the hand without seeming heavy. This tea glass holder also stands well alone as a display piece, on a sideboard, in a glass display case, or on a tea table. As a wedding or anniversary gift, it suits a new beginning or a shared history. For tea lovers who want to combine oriental form with Russian niello silver art, and for collectors of Russian goldsmithing, this piece is a meaningful choice.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Engraving on this model is very limited, as filigree and niello band cover most of the outer wall. Contact us before ordering; we will review with you which area might be suitable for a discreet engraving. Upon request, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 x 10 cm landscape), individually designed and suitable for the occasion. It is currently free of charge.

Care

The glass and silver holder are separable; the glass can be removed and cleaned separately. Wash the silver holder by hand only: lukewarm water, mild dish soap, soft cloth. No dishwasher, no silver dip bath, no ultrasonic cleaner, as these methods can damage the gilding and niello inlay. For the polished silver surfaces on the base, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the piece suitable for hot beverages?
Yes, the crystal glass is designed for hot beverages. The gilded handle remains comfortable to hold, even with hot tea. Do not put in the dishwasher.

What distinguishes 925 silver from silver-plated tea ware?
Silver-plated ware has a thin layer of silver on another base metal, which wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid; the entire wall thickness of the holder consists of the silver alloy. The hallmark officially confirms the composition.

Can I have the silver holder engraved with a dedication?
Contact us before ordering; we will review the engraving request and advise you on the possible areas on the holder.

You might also be interested in

Further models with tea glasses and silver holders can be found in our selection of table silver and silver tableware made of 925 silver. For more occasion ideas, check out our gift ideas made of 925 silver.