Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.
Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.
While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.
The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.
Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
$1,313
H 3.15 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in
Art Deco Christofle “Boréal” Silver-Plated Flatware Set for 12, 37 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An elegant 37-piece Christofle “Boréal” silver-plated flatware service for twelve, presented in a fitted presentation case. The celebrated Boréal pattern was created for Christofle ...
Silver Plate
$23,500 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Aria by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set 100 pcs in box
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Exc...
Sterling Silver
$319Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 8.27 in D 7.88 in
Christofle Vintage Special Cutlery Set with original Box
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Vintage Christofle set with 3 Forks and a spoon with original box.
Silver Plate
$1,622 / item
H 2.76 in W 13.39 in D 10.24 in
21st Century, Hand-Carved pink Crystal and golden Bronze tray in Classic style
By Oggetti D'Arte
Located in Calenzano, FI
21-st century hand carved pink crystal tray with frame in lost wax golden bronze butterflies. This tray has got a particular hand -carved and the frame is in lost wax golden bronz...
Crystal, Bronze
$700 / set
H 1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Complete Set of Pink Cloth Napkins and Faux Bamboo Brass Place Setting Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Make hosting and entertaining easy, with a vintage British Colonial style place setting. Over a year in the making, we’ve sourced hundreds of table settings from all over the globe and paired our favorites in a set. (See our other listings for more beauties in an array of different colors, styles and place settings from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16.) This set features a faux bamboo brass charger from India. It does have a slight patina to it, which makes it look even more storied. We’ve had these custom cloth napkins created just for this set. We’ve brought over this fabulous pink block print fabric from India and created 4 16” x 16” cloth dinner napkins...
Brass
Pink Silk Duvet. Made in Italy
Located in Cernobbio, IT
This silk duvet is the result of a shared vision between Villa Como and Rewa(r)d—a collaboration that brings together timeless aesthetics, artisanal craftsmanship, and a conscious ap...
Silk
21st Century, Hand Carved pink crystal and silver Bronze vase
By Oggetti D'Arte
Located in Calenzano, FI
21st century hand carved pink crystal and silver bronze vase. This vase is finely chiseled lost wax castings and hand-grounded glass. On request to customer can modificate the color...
Crystal, Bronze
$4,112
H 4.34 in W 14.77 in D 12.21 in
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...
Metal, Silver Plate
Christofle business card tray
By Andree Putman
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Christofle business card tray in silver-plate. Designer: Andrée Putman. This piece is bought on Barbados at the famous hotel Farmont Royal Pavilion. See the inscription, picture numb...
Silver Plate
$570
H 2.75 in W 9.25 in D 8 in
Estate French Christofle Crystal & Silver-Plate Juice Set in Fitted Box, C. 1940
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate French Christofle crystal and silver plate juice set in original fitted box, circa 1940-1950. Hallmarked on bottom of cup.
Crystal, Silver Plate
