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 Made in Argentina, Flatware art nouveau in Silverplated
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Gorgeous unknown pattern made in Argentina Christofle Silverplate Flatware set 100 pieces total. This set includes: 12 Dinner Forks - 20 centimeters 12 Salad Forks - 17,5 centimet...
Silver Plate
Set of 4 Christofle 'Gallia' silver plated Figural Salt and Pepper Shakers
By Gallia, Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
Christofle 'Collection Gallia' - design by artist Eugène Volynkine (often attributed to Edouard Marcel Sandoz). A set of four French Art Deco silvered figural salt & pepper shakers. ...
Silver Plate
$2,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Luc Lanel & Christofle for Compagnie Générale Transatlantique a Set of Six Cups
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Orfèvrerie Christofle for "Ile de France" 1949 Compagnie Générale Transatlantique Paquebot A set of six silvered metal cups Monogr...
Metal
20th century French Christofle Silver Plated Asparagus Clamp, 1950s
By Christofle
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful silver-plated asparagus clamp from the famous French Christofle house dating from the 1950s. Stamped Christofle on the handle. Very good quality and good condition. For lov...
Silver Plate
Pair of Art Deco Coffee Cups with Saucers Design Sue & Mare Gallia-Christofle
By Christofle, Louis Sue, Gallia, Andre Mare
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Art Deco Coffee Cups sold with their saucers. Designed by Louis Süe ( 1875-1968) & André Mare (1887-1932) for Gallia - Christofle. Silverpl...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, Set of 6 flatware, Christofle, 1957
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Rivoli, IT
Set of 6 pieces of cutlery designed by Lino Sabbatini and manufactured by Christofle, France, 1957 Set consisting of - 2 knives -2 forks -2 tablespoons Manufacturer's Brand
Steel