The art of niello silver decoration was once widely spread across many cities in Russia. The pieces created by craftsmen from the town of Velikiy Ustiug were especially well known for their exceptional niello quality and for the exquisiteness of their design. Starting from early twentieth century, the Velikiy Ustiug town – where the Severnaya Chern [literal translation - Northern Niello] factory has been located historically – can by right claim to be the only place in the world to work with Russian nielloed silver.

In developing the traditions of the ancient craft, the creative team at the Severnaya Chern factory has given shape to a new independent and unique trend in jewelry art. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the factory’s jewelry items and other products is their extraordinary execution. Pieces produced by Severnaya Chern have been awarded and recognized at many trade shows and contests, such as “The National Treasures of Russia” and “100 Best Russian Products.” In November 2004, the factory also received international recognition for the quality of its products, the International Star Award 2005.

The creative imagination of Severnaya Chern’s venerable craftsmen, together with the inimitable artistry of its jewelers and engravers, has allowed the Velikiy Ustuig masters to produce true works of art. The pieces of neillo craftsmen from Velikiy Usuig differ from other jewelry items in their matchless ornamentation and their ingenious composition subject. The combination of glittering silver and the dark color of the nieollo alloy gives the Severnaya Chern items a magical look. Moreover, if one is to consider that this hand-made magic is manufactured from such a noble metal as silver, then its future possessor will receive not only aesthetic pleasure, but also an inexhaustible resource of nature’s healing powers. Silver has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and serves as an effective means for disinfection. The Russian aristocracy had passions for silver precisely for this reason. During the times of epidemic illnesses, the aristocrats used silver tableware and were less prone to diseases.

The Severnaya Chern factory produces many varieties of tableware items: spoons, forks, knives, cake spatulas, tea and coffee sets, wine glasses, complete table and dessert sets, cups, trays, vases, and flasks. This is only a limited list of what Severnaya Chern has to offer in its tableware group of products. The many pieces made by Severnaya Chern would be able to create a beautiful setting for any high level official occasion and to adorn each table in accordance with all the proper etiquette rules.

Severnaya Chern also produces all sorts of jewelry items, souvenirs, and piece for use in religious ceremonies. The laconic elegance of forms, the charming perfection of the neilloed decoration, and the faultless execution of every Severnaya Chern items will become that special something in the luxury of any room. The pieces of Velikiy Ustuig craftsmen are sure to represent the exquisite tastes of their owners.

162390 Russia,

Volgorodskaya Region

City of Velikiy Usuig

Uglovskogo St., no. 1

Tel.: +8 173822707

Fax: +8 173824366

E-mail: chern@vologda.ru

Web: www.vologda.ru/~chern