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.
Art Deco Sterling Silver Floral Necklace by Christofle, 2000, France
By Christofle
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Exquisite Art Deco Style Sterling Silver Necklace with Flowers by Christofle This 925 sterling silver necklace from the prestigious French house of Christofle is inspired by the ic...
Silver
Signed Modern Christofle 38" Sterling Silver Rope Length Link Necklace
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rope length necklace. In sterling silver. Designed by Peggy Huynh Kinh for Christofle. Comprising alternating bar and ring links, the bars with embossed and engrave...
Sterling Silver
$1,316 / item
W 0.36 in D 0.11 in L 17.32 in
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Twisted Wire Chain Link Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated sterling silver twisted wire necklace. Dimensions: L 17.32 in x W 0.36 in x D...
Sterling Silver
Thistle & Bee Sterling Silver Heavy Wave Link Necklace
Located in Cincinnati, OH
By designer Thistle & Bee. Sterling Silver Large wavy links with a smooth finish. Approximately 1.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches long. 96.1dwt Stamped "Thistle & Bee" and "925". Foldo...
Sterling Silver
$2,585
Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
14k yellow gold chocolate baroque pearl necklace 42 inch in length. This gold pearl necklace is accompanied by a retail appraisal performed ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Long Curb Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated twisted wire sterling silver curb link long chain necklace. Marked Jona. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for ...
Sterling Silver
Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace 19.61 Carat t.w.
Located in New York, NY
Surround yourself with glamour and dazzle with this magnificent Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace, boasting 19.61 carats of sparkling diamond brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Diamond Rose Gold Necklace Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Necklace. Featured in 18K Rose Gold and a diamond Kelly lock clasp in the small model. Set with 41 ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Zina Sterling Silver Brickwork Link and Ball Statement Necklace
By Zina
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Zina sterling silver brickwork link necklace with ball edging. The necklace is in very good condition. We have given it a light clean. Measuring length approximately 44.3 cm / 17.4 inches by maximum width at the front 5.2 cm / 2 inches. This is a beautiful and stylish heavy silver...
Sterling Silver
$711Sale Price|20% Off
22 Karat Gold Vermeil Senelagos Bar Trio Choker by Chee Lee Designs
By Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
This 15/16 inch necklace is 22 Karat Yellow Gold Vermeil with three iconic Chee Lee Designs Senelagos Links. Check out our other Senelagos Collection...
22k Gold, Vermeil
Mexico 925 Sterling Silver Collar Link Necklace 16" #22616
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Mexico 925 Sterling Silver Collar Link Necklace - This vintage Mexican sterling silver collar necklace is handcrafted in Mexico with an elegant triple bar link design and ornate scr...
Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated twisted wire sterling silver link chain necklace. Marked Jona. Dimensions: 17.71 in. L. x 0.60 in. W x 0.63 in. D 4...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Channel Set Crystal Link Choker Necklace, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 14" length - Sterling silver - Encrusted with square cut clear crystal rhinestones - Hidden push clasp...
Sterling Silver
Christofle Lariat Necklace Sterling Silver
By Christofle
Located in beverly hills, CA
As a trusted brand in silverware and jewelry, Christofle presents this beautiful Lariat necklace, made in sterling silver. Its versatility allows for effortless styling. An exceptional accessory in beautiful condition. From Christofle "Idole de Christofle is a line of sterling silver jewelry and accessories from acclaimed designer Andrée Putman, who has worked on everything from film sets and airplanes to New York’s Morgans hotel and Louis Vuitton steamer trunks...
Sterling Silver