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 French Sterling Silver 6 Piece Dinnerware Set
By Christofle
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Christofle silverplate flatware set, stamped with the classic OC Christofle hallmark and FRANCE, dates to the late 1930s through the 1940s. The marks correspond to Chris...
Sterling Silver
Silver Lappas Cutlery Service, Christofle style 83 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver Lappas Cutlery Service Christofle style Made in Argentina 83 Pieces Our Beautiful Set of PLATA LAPPAS is in nice conditions! The Christofle Style Makes it unique and spec...
Metal
$12,000 / set
H 0.63 in W 8 in D 1.5 in
48 Pc. Mardi Jo Cohen Sterling Silver, Blue Formica, & Cabochon Flatware Service
By Mardi-jo Cohen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed flatware service. By Mardi Jo Cohen. In sterling silver with a strong Memphis School and Pop Art design influence. Comprising 48 pieces: 12 knives with blue formica inlaid handles 12 knives with circular blue formica inlaid decoration. 11 forks with blue formica handles, circular blue formica dots (1), and green cabochons (1) 1 fork with blue formica inlay handle, circular blue formica dot (2), and green cabochon (1) 11 forks with circular blue formica inlay (2) and green cabochons (1) 1 fork with circular blue formica inlay (1), green cabochon (1), and a missing inlay dot. Each signed to the reverse. Cohen is a graduate of Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, one of many of the great jewelry maker's to come through that school. Her work is held in numerous public & private collections. Simply a wonderful retro flatware service! Date: 2002 Overall Condition: They in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. Condition Details: One of the forks is missing blue formica inlay. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Mardi Jo Cohen Marks: Signed to the reverse of each with "Mardi Cohen...
Sterling Silver
Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 121pc. Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set
By Amelie Cardeilhac, Christofle Cardeilhac 1
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a magnificent 121pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set by one of France’s premier silversmiths “Amelie Card...
Sterling Silver
Solid silver Commodore cutlery set, Cardeilhac by Christofle
By Christofle Cardeilhac 1
Located in Paris, FR
Discover the luxurious Commodore solid silver cutlery set, an exceptional piece signed by Cardeilhac and produced by Christofle. Made in France, this collection embodies timeless lux...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,000 / set
H 11.42 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
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
JEAN TETARD – C.Christofle 144-piece solid silver flatware set, aubusson pattern
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
TOTAL: 144 PIECES. 950/1000 Sterling Silver. Weight: 7140 g net + 1860 g gross. Minerva Hallmark – Art Deco Period, circa 1930 Produced by TETARD FRERES & CHARLES CHRISTOFLE COMPOS...
Silver
$6,780 / set
H 0.04 in Dm 0.04 in
Christofle - Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Black Lacquer 39 Pcs
By Christofle
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Flatware cutlery set "Talisman" made in plated silver metal and black Chinese lacquer by Christofle. Each piece is signed and stamped. New cutlery, still in its blister packagin...
Silver Plate
Puiforcat (Hermes) & Cardeilhac (Christofle): 182-piece Sterling Flatware Set
By Christofle Cardeilhac 1, Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris: A stunning 182-piece antique sterling silver flatware set by two of France’s premier silversmiths “Puiforcat”, currently owned b...
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
$4,657
H 9.85 in W 17.72 in D 13.39 in
BOREAL Art Deco 118 Pc Silvered Flatware Set Luc Lanel Christofle in case
By Luc Lanel
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco silver plated cutlery set BOREAL 118 pc. Designed by Luc Lanel for Christofle. France. Model designed in 1929. Production: Mid Century. The set is contained in a 4 drawer ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Rubans by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 48 pcs France Dinner Size
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Cre...
Silver Plate
Moderne Gramont by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 106 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Go...
Silver Plate
Arcantia Vendome by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 42 pc Dn
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Din...
Silver Plate
Triade by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Set 12 Service 96 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Modern clean lines in a Classic column motif makes this pattern, Triade, forever timeless. Dinner Size Triade by Christofle France Silverplated flatware set - 96 pieces. This set in...
Silver Plate
Rubans by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 131 pcs France Dinner Size
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Crea...
Silver Plate
Pompadour by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 142 pcs + chest
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Mo...
Silver Plate
