Christofle Building and Garden Elements
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.
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Silver Plate
19th Century French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Iron
19th Century English Other Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Stone
Early 19th Century French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century French Rococo Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Metal
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Zinc, Steel
19th Century French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Brass
19th Century French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Brass
1830s French Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze, Ormolu
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Zinc
1880s French Romantic Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Brass
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
Christofle building and garden elements 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.