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.
$23,500 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Aria by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set 100 pcs in box
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. Exc...
Sterling Silver
$12,500 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Delafosse by Christofle France Silver Plate Flatware Set 12 Service 137 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Delafosse by Christofle silver plated flatware set of 137 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4", 12 dinner size forks, 8 5/8", 12 luncheon knives (some blade we...
Silver Plate
$319Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 8.27 in D 7.88 in
Christofle Vintage Special Cutlery Set with original Box
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Vintage Christofle set with 3 Forks and a spoon with original box.
Silver Plate
$1,313
H 3.15 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in
Art Deco Christofle “Boréal” Silver-Plated Flatware Set for 12, 37 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An elegant 37-piece Christofle “Boréal” silver-plated flatware service for twelve, presented in a fitted presentation case. The celebrated Boréal pattern was created for Christofle ...
Silver Plate
$7,650 / set
H 18 in W 18 in D 18 in
Printania by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 106 Pcs Dinner
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. R...
Silver Plate
$4,112
H 4.34 in W 14.77 in D 12.21 in
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...
Metal, Silver Plate
$10,500 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fidelio by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service 12 Set 175 pcs Dinner
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. Mon...
Silver Plate
$26,500 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Joubert by Christofle Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 66 Pcs Dinner in Box
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. Dinner Size Joubert by Christofle France estate Sterling Silver Flatware set in fitted chest - 66 pieces. This service includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4" 12 dinner size forks, 8 1/4" 12 salad forks, 4-tine, 6 1/2" 12 teaspoons, 6" 10 place soup spoons, 6 - 7 1/2", 4 - 7 1/8" 6 large dinner spoons, 8 1/4" 1 large serving spoon, 10 1/4" 1 large serving fork, 10 1/8" Includes fitted Christofle Chest...
Sterling Silver
1930s Christofle “Albatros” Silverplate Flatware Set, 51 pcs.
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Elegant Christofle flatware set in the refined “Albatros” pattern, preserved in its original fitted presentation case bearing the retailer’s address: Pavillon de Hanovre, Bd. des Ita...
Silver Plate
$1,542
H 3.15 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in
Early 20th Century Christofle “Japonais” 37-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Service
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
A refined early 20th-century silver-plated flatware service by the celebrated French Maison Christofle, presented in the historic Japonais pattern and retaining its fitted period pre...
Silver Plate
French Silverplated Art Deco Dessert Set by Apollo- Set of 13
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage French dessert set made by Apollo in France around the 1930's. The set includes one pie / cake shovel and twelve forks, all in an art deco style and hallmarked. The set com...
Silver Plate
French Art Deco Silverplate Silverware, c. 1940's- Set of 37
Located in Ross, CA
Thirty Seven piece French silverplated fork and knife set, in a art deco pattern, all pieces are hallmarked and stamped. Likely by Societe Generale de Coutellerie et d'Orfevrerie. ...
Silver Plate
Frionnet Francois Mid Century Shell Pattern Silverware- Set of 37
By Francois Frionnet
Located in Ross, CA
Set of 37 pieces of French silverplated shell pattern flatware, each piece hallmarked by the maker Frionnet Francois. Comes in the original box for s...
Silver Plate
French Silverplated Art Deco Spoon and Fork Set of 24
Located in Ross, CA
Twenty Four piece French silverplated fork and knife set, in a art deco pattern, all pieces are hallmarked and stamped 84 representing the number of ...
Silver Plate
Felix Freres Art Deco Fish Serving Set, c. 1940's
Located in Ross, CA
Three piece fish serving set made by Félix Frères in Toulouse France in the 1940's. Félix Frères was a company founded in Toulouse, France, in 1875. Fork: 5.8 tall Knife: 6.4 tall...
Silver Plate
19th Century Christofle Coffee Spoons, Set of 8
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Antique coffee spoons made by Christofle in the second half of the 19th century. The pattern is unique. Each spoon is stamped Christofle and the...
Silver Plate
