Christofle Candlesticks
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.
1830s French Antique Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate, Brass
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Metal
1980s French Renaissance Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
1890s English Neoclassical Antique Christofle Candlesticks
Sterling Silver
1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Iron
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Brass
1910s English Neoclassical Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Sterling Silver
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Ceramic, Pottery
1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Lucite
20th Century Italian Other Christofle Candlesticks
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Iron
20th Century European Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Metal
Late 20th Century French Christofle Candlesticks
Metal, Silver
1970s German Brutalist Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Metal
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Candlesticks
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
1990s French Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
20th Century European Modern Christofle Candlesticks
Metal
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Metal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Sterling Silver
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Sterling Silver
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Christofle Candlesticks
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Christofle Candlesticks
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Candlesticks
Silver Plate
Christofle candlesticks for sale 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.
- 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.
- 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.