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.
Christofle Frances "Le Grillon" Silver-Plated Steel Crumb Sweeper
By Christofle
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
A refined and exquisite crumb sweeper from the prestigious French house of Christofle, model "Le Grillon," made of silver-plated steel with a handle hallmarked with the Christofle ha...
Maison Christofle Black Art Deco Talisman Lacque de Chine Trinket Box – 1986
By Christofle
Located in Tucson, AZ
Designed by Bernard Yot in 1986, this trinket box features the rare Art Deco inspired Talisman pattern. The striking Cloisonne design is the result of a painstaking 22-step process o...
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1998 Limited Edition Silver Plated Unicorn Paperweight
By Christofle, Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX rare 1998 limited edition silver plated unicorn paperweight. Manufactured by CHRISTOFLE Paris. Signed CL and dated 1998. Indicative measurements : base approx. 6...
Hermès Sterling Silver Pill Box Micro Bolide Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Cute Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a "Bolide" Hermès Bag Made in England Made of sterling silver (925 and Minerva hallmarks engraved) Vintage Item Opens at th...
Exceptional Hermès Horse Bit Shaped Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a horse bit Made in France Made of silvery and golden non-precious stainless metal "HERMES" and "MADE IN FRANCE" eng...
Ann Demeulemeester for Serax 11 cm Cups (set of two)
By Ann Demeulemeester
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Set of two hand-painted 11 centimeter porcelain mugs from Ann Demeulemeester. These cups feature a glossy off-white glaze with a black rim. The contrast between matte and glossy, but...
Hermes Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer Porcelain Set of 2 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer set of 2. Exquisite in Porcelain. Rich color and print combination ...
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
Gem Encrusted Box, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful box from the late 19th Century completely covered with colorful genuine gems and semiprecious stones. Garnets, aquamarines, sapphires and amythests are just some of the sto...
Unusual Hobe Jeweled Heart Box
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Charming and Unusual Hobe Jeweled Mini Box-Compact from the 1930's. Multicolored pastes set in sterling filigree on a brass base. Interior mirror. Can easily be converted into a pend...
$417Sale Price|40% Off
1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned metal a...
Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football is in pristine condition. Rare and collectible item. PBF 13076
Hermès Feathers Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Feathers Made in France Vintage Item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand- painted with fine gold Colorways: white, blue, green ...
Christian Lacroix for Christofle Gold Starburst Decorated Tray
By Christian Lacroix, Christofle
Located in New Hope, PA
Christian Lacroix has moved from fashion design to interior design and this white tray for Christofle with a gold starburst in the center and gold on the edges is an excellent exampl...
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H 2.96 in W 1.46 in L 2.68 in
Christian Lacroix Rare 1998 Limited Edition Silver Plated Unicorn Paperweight
By Christian Lacroix, Christofle
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX rare 1998 limited edition silver plated unicorn paperweight. Manufactured by CHRISTOFLE. Signed CL and dated 1998. JEWELRY CONDITION CHART - New or never ...