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.
Antique Christofle French Silver Plated Tea Strainer
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine French silver plated tea strainer. By Christofle et Cie. With a pierced and scalloped body, curved legs, ball feet and a turned wooden handle. Simply a wonderful, high-lev...
Silver Plate
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver 5 Piece Tea Service in Pattern 80
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A five-piece tea and coffee service in sterling silver with ebony handles and finials in Georg Jensen's pattern 80, designed in 1915, hallmarked for a post-1945 manufacture. While Jensen's reverence for traditional Danish design and interest in themes of nature were often married in equal part to the popular Art...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Lapis Lazuli Silver Plated Spoon Set of Six by Marina J.
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing One of a Kind Spoon Set by Marina J. Each spoon in this set of 6 is composed of clean and graceful lines giving this elegant set a modern flare. The lapis lazuli beads attach...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver Plate
$240Sale Price|20% Off
L 3.75 in
Marina J 6 Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Tea Spoon Set with Lapis Lazuli Stones
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of 6 rhodium-plated sterling silver teaspoons with lapis lazuli stones are elegant, with spiral handles. These vintage spoons were re-imagined ...
Lapis Lazuli, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
$320Sale Price|20% Off
L 4.5 in
Marina J. Mothers Day Gift, Vintage Silver Plated Spoon Set with Baroque Pearls
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of A Kind Marina J. Vintage Silver Plated Spoon set of 6, reworked to have gorgeous Baroque Pearl tip details. The cultured Baroque Pearls Di...
Pearl, Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Tea Caddy with Monogram #16850
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver tea caddy by Tiffany & Co with monogram. Monogram appears to be MSC This beautiful urn style tea caddy is done in an Art Deco pattern featuring flowers and lines. P...
Sterling Silver
$990
W 1.75 in L 4 in
Antique Norwegian Silver & Cloisonné Enamel Cup and Saucer Set by David Andersen
By David Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A rare and exquisite find for collectors of fine European silver and decorative arts, this Antique Norwegian Silver and Cloisonné Enamel Demit...
Silver, Enamel
French Silver-Plated Salt and Pepper Shakers by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Set of 2 Circa 1970s Made in France Elevate your tabletop with this elegant pair of French silver-plated salt and pepper shakers by Christofle, a distinguished...
Silver Plate
Russian Silver Plate Samovar with Tray Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- The set is made out of silver plate with celluloid/ bone details - The samovar features floral & geometric motifs - The tray stamped with makers marks that are a little worn off (З...
Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Four Piece Tea and Coffee Service by Tiffany & Company
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This four piece tea and coffee set was made by the American jewellery and silversmithing firm Tiffany & Company. The service comprises a coffee pot, a teapot, lidded sugar pot and a creamer, all crafted from sterling silver with ivory...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$370
H 2.75 in W 3.5 in D 2 in
Antique Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Creamer 6393 M 3299 Classic Handle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Width: 3.50 inches Height: 2.75 inches Depth: 2.00 inches Weight: 91.33 grams Silver antique, Tiffany & Co. 925 St...
Silver, Sterling Silver
George III Hester Bateman London Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, 1782
By Hester Bateman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique George III era sterling silver tea caddy by renowned London silversmith, Hester Bateman, circa 1782. Simple but elegant tea caddy by Hester Bateman, known as the "Queen of S...
Sterling Silver
800 silver tea and coffee set consisting of 4 pieces
Located in Perugia, IT
Tea and Coffee set consisting of 4 pieces in 800/ooo silver, total weight 1125 g. Produced by Enrico Goretta - Alessandria - Italy 1990 about Teapot Height 19 cm Maximum width 23 ...
Silver
Christofle Art deco Silver plate and wood tea set
By Christofle
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Christofle Silver Plate Tea set in a very Art Modern, Art Deco style. Tray measuring 15 X 12 inch and Having Very dark brown...
Silver Plate
CHRISTOFLE Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Set C 1925
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco sterling silver tea set. Made by Christofle, C 1925. Comprises 1 tea kettle with hinged cover on stand, 1 teapot with hinged cover, 1 hot water jug, 1 cream jug, and 1 sugar with cover. All pieces have faceted sides. Bracket handles mounted to ivory. Stepped covers with ivory finial. Rectangular and slanted spouts. Bracket feet on tea kettle stand...