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.
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...
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 ...
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...
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare Print
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...
Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries Mini Ashtray Set of Two Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries set of two ( 2 ) mini ashtrays. Rouge H and Terracotta colorway. A perfect accent piece f...
$420Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 1920s Silver Hair Brush with Horse Hair Bristles
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
1920s Tiffany & Co Silver 925 Hair Brush in good condition, brush is made of real horse hair, comes with certificate of authenticity 24x8.5x4cm
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
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...
$2,975Sale Price|23% Off
Gucci Italy Extremely Rare Sterling Silver Art Deco Vanity Grooming Set c 1950
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Italy Extremely rare sterling silver art deco vanity grooming set c 1950 The opulent sterling silver Gucci grooming set consist of a hand mirror, a handle brush, a rectangular hand brush, a rectangular glass cosmetic box and a circular glass cosmetic jar The sterling silver accessories are designed with impressed grooved linear striped bands. A crown symbol is engraved in a smooth polished circular band on each accessory Makes an exquisite decorative collectible placed on a vanity dressing table. The crisp severe art deco design has an unisex aesthetic Four of the grooming accessories are stamped: Gucci 925...
$914Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.37 in D 0.79 in Dm 1.58 in
S.T. Dupont 1970s Gold Plated Guilloche Model 1 Vintage Lighter in Box
By S.T. Dupont
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Beautiful Vintage Lighter, 1970s-1975s, S.T. Dupont Gold Plated, Guilloche Model 1. This is a French S.T. Dupont lighter, model 1, with a 20-micron gold finish and a vertical guilloc...
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 8 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Moroccan Silver Choker with Colorful Glass Beads and Coins
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A Moroccan Tribal jewelry vintage a chocker inlaid with colorful glass beads in red and green and dangling coins. Silver, but not of the standard of sterling and richly embellished with applied silver designs and filigree. Chocker size: 10" height x 10" wide including coins. chocker only is 8" x 8". German nickel coin silver. A Moroccan beautiful ethnic metal silvered jewelry choker.It is a traditional piece of jewelry that is worn around the neck handmade by skilled artisans in Morocco and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Berber region. The choker is crafted using high-quality silver coin metal and adorned with coins and beads glass and ornate with typical designs and patterns and filigree work, and incorporate elements such as engraved motifs, geometric shapes, or symbolic symbols that hold cultural significance in Moroccan tradition carefully crafted to create a visually stunning and unique piece of jewelry. These chokers are commonly worn by women in traditional Moroccan attire during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, or cultural celebrations. However, they have also gained popularity as fashionable accessories that can be worn with contemporary outfits, adding a touch of exotic flair to any ensemble. Overall, a Moroccan ethnic silver...
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 ...
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 ...