Christofle Sterling Silver
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.
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1990s French Art Deco Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
19th Century French Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Christofle Sterling Silver
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1930s French Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver
Late 20th Century French Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver
1990s French Renaissance Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Rococo Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century French Modern Christofle Sterling Silver
Metal
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1650s French Mid-Century Modern Antique Christofle Sterling Silver
Metal, Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
1930s French Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
20th Century French Christofle Sterling Silver
Silver Plate
Christofle sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Christofle
- Where is Christofle made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christofle is made in France. This company is renowned for its luxury tableware and flatware and has been based in Paris, France since it was founded in 1830. Browse a collection of authentic Christofle pieces from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is Christofle known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Christofle is known for designing luxury silverware and tableware. 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. 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 the roots of founder Charles Christofle, who got his start as a copper jeweler apprentice. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Christofle pieces.
- Is Christofle real silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, Christofle is real silver. The French silversmith produces pieces out of sterling silver that are roughly 93% pure silver and 7% copper. In addition, Christofle offers silver-plate items, which have a thin layer of 99.9% fine silver over a base metal. Explore a selection of Christofle silver wares on 1stDibs.