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.
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...
Italian Floral Enamel Make Up Case, Castelli Rome.
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Italian Floral Enamel Make Up Case by Castelli, Rome. Designed as gilded metal envelope with enameled flowers and leaves. Flap opens to show mirror...
Gucci Vintage Steel Jewelry/Cigar Box
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci vintage steel logo embossed multi functional box. Brown lacquered interior in excellent condition. Some wear consistent with age on the exterior. Stamped Gucci/Italy. Rare find .
Enamel Silver Pillbox
Located in New York, NY
Lovely enamel maiden portrait on 800 silver round pillbox. Silver has decorative hand etching throughout. 1.5" x 3/8". Italy 1950's. Very Good condition.
Hermes Vintage H Box
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare silver tone metal box featuring a large gold plated H design on top. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER - RD - hallmark. Made in France. I...
Hermès Cornucopia Vintage Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès 50s cigarette box features a decorated a horn of abundance, known as cornucopia. Outer leather black cover shows some signs of wear, removable interior in excellent condit...
Porcelain Shell Medicine Box
Located in Paris, FR
Porcelain pill or medicine box and black metal frame decorated with multicolour motives painted on top, a tarnish tie claps opening. Inside fancy motives painted. In good vintage con...
Hermès Spinning Top Toopy Leather Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Spinning Top "TOOPY" Rare item Made of smooth young bull leather and mahogany wood (cuir de taurillon lisse et bois d'acajou) "HERMÈS" engraved on th...
Enamel Brass Pillbox with Pastoral Scene
Located in New York, NY
Charming Enamel Brass Pillbox or cigarette case with pastoral scene on hinged cover set within deep blue enamel scrollwork. Best for use as decorative desk piece or can be used in a ...
Exceptional Hermès Openwork Chiselled Silver Box Case RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely stunning Authentic Hermès Box The design on the lid is beautiful, very fine and delicate Made of openwork chiselled silver box Vinta...
Limoges Singer Porcelain Piano Pill Box
Located in Paris, FR
Limoges Singer porcelain piano shaped pill box featuring a gold metal frame with a gallant stage decor, a metallic gold tone hook to keep it open, a un...
Art Deco Cream Celluloid Box circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Art Deco cream celluloid box. Measuring length 14.3 cm / 5.6 inches by width 9.6 cm / 3.77 inches, and depth 2.7 cm / 1 inch. The lid has a lov...
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...