Sterling Chess 38cm White & Black Marble Chess Set

The Sterling Chess 38cm White & Black Marble Chess Set is the most graphic and classical chess set in our marble range. Each square of the 38 x 38cm board is hand-cut from genuine cream white and deep black marble, and every piece is hand-carved from the same two marbles to match. The combination produces the highest-contrast, most universally recognisable chess aesthetic — the classic black and white that has defined chess imagery for centuries, executed in real marble.

Genuine marble chess pieces feel fundamentally different to wood or plastic in hand. Each piece carries the dense, substantial weight that marble alone produces, with subtle variations in colour and grain that no two pieces ever fully share. The double-weighted base of each piece keeps it stable through every move, and the polished marble finish develops a quiet patina over time that catches light beautifully on the board.

For chess players who want the timeless classical chess aesthetic with the quality and presence of genuine marble, this is the definitive choice in the Sterling Chess marble range.

Sterling Chess White & Black Marble Chess Set

Key features

Hand-carved Staunton pieces in genuine cream white and deep black marble
38 x 38cm board with squares cut from matching white and black marble
The most graphic and classical aesthetic of the Sterling Chess marble range
Double-weighted pieces for stability and confident feel during play

89mm king height with FIDE-aligned proportions for serious play
Felt bases on every piece for smooth, quiet movement on the marble board
Premium storage box with carry handle and metal lock clips included
1-year limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship

Genuine marble — the defining material

Marble has been the material of choice for the world's finest chess sets for centuries. It is dense, naturally beautiful, holds fine detail under carving, and has the kind of permanence that no synthetic material can replicate. Each piece in this set is hand-carved from solid marble, with natural variation in colour and grain that gives every piece its own subtle character. This is one of the genuine pleasures of owning a real marble chess set.

The cream white used in this set has a soft, warm tone — a natural marble white with subtle veining throughout that gives each piece visual depth on close inspection. The black is a deep, near-pure black with a subtle natural sheen when polished. Set against each other on the board, the two materials produce the most universally recognisable chess aesthetic — the high-contrast black and white that has been synonymous with serious chess for hundreds of years.

Hand-carved Staunton design with proper proportions

Each piece is hand-carved to the classic Staunton design, with the proportions and silhouettes that make a chess set immediately recognisable. The 89mm king height with the 38cm board produces the correct proportional relationship for FIDE-aligned play — pieces sit naturally on each square with comfortable room for movement.

The piece weights reflect the density of real marble:

King: 8.5–8.89cm tall, 95.25g
Queen: 7.62cm tall, 86.18g
Bishop: 6.99cm tall, 63.5g
Knight: 6.99cm tall, 63.5g
Rook: 6.99cm tall, 86.18g
Pawn: 5.72cm tall, 68.04g

The pieces are double-weighted with felt bases for smooth, quiet movement on the marble board.

Premium storage box included

Every Sterling Chess marble set ships with a premium storage box featuring a carry handle and metal lock clips. The fitted interior secures each piece in place during transport or storage, preventing pieces from knocking against each other and the marble from chipping. The metal lock clips give the closure mechanism a genuinely premium feel — this is a storage solution built to match the quality of the set itself.

How the White & Black compares to the other Sterling Chess marble sets

Sterling Chess offers four 38cm marble chess sets, each with a distinct character:

The Oceanic & White is the softer, less dramatic alternative with cream white and oceanic blue.

The White & Black (this set) is the most graphic and classical of the range, with the highest contrast between the pure white light pieces and deep black dark pieces — the timeless chess aesthetic.

The Coral & Red is the warmest and most earthy, with rich coral and deep red marble producing a set with natural warmth.

The White & Oceanic is the brightest of the range, with cream white dominating and oceanic blue as the contrasting dark side.

Our expert take

The Sterling Chess 38cm White & Black Marble Chess Set is the safest and most timeless recommendation in our marble range. The classic black-and-white aesthetic is universally recognisable, it pairs with virtually any interior setting from contemporary to traditional, and the genuine marble construction delivers the weight, natural variation, and quality that no synthetic alternative can match. The double-weighted pieces feel substantial in hand, the felt bases keep movement quiet, and the premium storage box with metal lock clips ensures the set stores away properly between sessions. For players and collectors who want a definitive marble chess set with classical proportions and timeless aesthetics, this is the obvious choice.

— Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Frequently asked questions

Are the pieces hand-carved from real marble?

Yes. Every piece in the set is hand-carved from solid genuine marble — cream white marble for the light pieces and deep black marble for the dark pieces.

Is the board also made from marble?

Yes. The 38 x 38cm board features squares hand-cut from the same white and black marble used in the pieces.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes. The pieces are double-weighted for stability and a confident feel during play.

How tall is the king?

The king stands between 8.5 and 8.89cm tall (approximately 89mm), with FIDE-aligned proportions when paired with the 38cm board.

What is included with the set?

The set includes the full marble chess board (38 x 38cm), all 32 hand-carved marble pieces, and the premium storage box with carry handle and metal lock clips.

How should the set be cared for?

Marble benefits from gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and avoidance of harsh chemicals. Avoid leaving the set in direct sunlight for extended periods to preserve the colour of the marble. Store in the included premium box when not in use to protect from dust and accidental damage.

How does this set differ from the other marble variants?

The White & Black uses the most classical, high-contrast colour combination. The other variants use oceanic blue, coral, and red marbles in various combinations for warmer, more distinctive aesthetics. The White & Black is the most universally recognisable chess aesthetic; the other variants offer more distinctive visual character.

Specifications

Spec	Detail
Board size	38 x 38cm
Board material	Genuine white and black marble squares
Piece design	Hand-carved Staunton
Piece material (light)	Genuine cream white marble
Piece material (dark)	Genuine black marble
King height	89mm (8.5–8.89cm)
King weight	95.25g
Queen	7.62cm tall, 86.18g
Bishop	6.99cm tall, 63.5g
Knight	6.99cm tall, 63.5g
Rook	6.99cm tall, 86.18g
Pawn	5.72cm tall, 68.04g
Piece weighting	Double-weighted
Piece base	Felt
Total pieces	32
Set weight	7.28kg
Storage	Premium box with carry handle and metal lock clips
Warranty	1 year
Brand	Sterling Chess

What's In The Box?

38 x 38cm white and black marble chess board
32 hand-carved marble chess pieces (16 white, 16 black)
Premium storage box with carry handle and metal lock clips

Warranty

This product is backed by a 12-month limited manufacturer warranty covering manufacturing defects under standard residential use. The warranty does not extend to commercial misuse, normal wear and tear, or damage caused by improper care or storage. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law — buyers are entitled to a replacement or refund for major failures, and to repair or replacement for failures that do not amount to major failure. For warranty support, contact the Sterling Chess team and we will guide you through the process.

Marble Chess Boards