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.
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
$1,143Sale Price|20% Off
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
Christofle by Taher Chemirik Sterling Silver Link Chain Tag Necklace
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A striking sterling silver link necklace designed by Taher Chemirik for Christofle, showcasing a bold, modernist aesthetic. The piece features elongated oval links with a smooth, min...
Sterling Silver
$1,310 / 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
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
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Brushed Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver necklace made from interconnected brushed silver discs. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special de...
Sterling Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Pearl Box Chain Lariat Chain Link Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Pearl Box Chain Lariat Chain Link Necklace Metal: Sterling silver & 18k yellow gold Weight: 16.04 grams Length: 35 inches Pearls: 5-9mm LT F35002292
Pearl, Gold, Sterling Silver
$312Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 18 in
Vintage LM Classical Mythological Theme 18K Gold Tone Link Necklace and Earrings
Located in Honolulu, HI
This high-grade vintage jewelry set, signed by the specialized manufacturer "LM," is a masterful blend of neoclassical iconography and modern luxury from the late 20th century. The c...
Other, Gold Plate
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Citrine Wheat Necklace by Robert Goossens
By Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Citrine Wheat Necklace by Robert Goossens Measurements: Height: 1.22 inches (3.1 cms ) Wearable Lengt: 13.38 inches (34...
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.157 in L 36 in
One of a Kind White Sterling Silver Handmade Link Chain Necklace, John Iversen
By John Iversen
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a kind Double Dot Links Chain by award-winning, legendary jewelry maker John Iversen, hand-fabricated in his signature, finely-textured and distinctly-toned sterling silver fe...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal, 14k Gold
Trifari Vintage Gold-Tone Leaf Collar Necklace
By Trifari
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A striking vintage collar necklace by Trifari, dating from the 1970s-1980s, featuring a finely worked leaf motif in gold-tone metal. The sculptural, elegant design wraps gracefully a...
Gold
Los Castillo Sterling Silver Chain Link Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Los Castillo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Los Castillo sterling silver chain link necklace and bracelet set. Has Taxco #742 Los Castillo markings. Hook and loop closure. Chain link and square knot design. All fixtures are in...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Japonesque Fan Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Chanel Japonesque Fan Pendant drop necklace circa 1960's France. A combination of European and Eastern aesthetics with bird engraved Japanese fans mounted with a classical french clam shell motifs in Antique gold finish as pendants on a twisted lame rope collar, likely used for embroidery or trims on accompanying evening suits. Maison Denez...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Long Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
Long chain necklace in polished sterling silver with a gender neutral style The design has a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and it is inspired by the equestrian world, as the links of the necklace have a shape which reminds the horseshoe nails...
Sterling Silver, Silver