About Christofle

Learn About the brand

In 1830, in the heart of Paris, Charles Christofle opened the doors to a small workshop that would go on to shape the future of French silverwork. At a time when silversmithing was still grounded in old techniques, Christofle introduced a new approach. By 1842, he was among the first to adopt electrolytic gilding and silver plating. His innovations didn’t go unnoticed. The French court, including King Louis-Philippe and later Emperor Napoleon III, became early patrons. With official titles like "Goldsmith to the King" and royal commissions, Christofle’s name quickly became associated with refinement and high society.<br><br> Christofle’s strength was never in chasing trends. Instead, it stood firmly in preserving traditional techniques while applying them to modern forms. Methods like spinning, embossing, and hand engraving were taught to new artisans by those who had spent their lives mastering them. These craftspeople, some of them officially recognized as "Living Treasures," carried the responsibility of keeping centuries-old skills alive.<br><br> By the late 20th century, Christofle launched a collection that echoed the opulence of the Belle Époque. These pieces were not reproductions, they were reinterpretations. Designs featured lace-like metalwork and stylized floral patterns, reflecting the ornate tastes of that earlier era, but adapted for modern wearers. Jewelry from this period offered a quiet nod to the past without feeling outdated.<br><br> Even as styles changed, Christofle kept pace, adapting its forms to meet contemporary tastes while never abandoning the soul of its craft. This balance, between innovation and heritage, allowed the brand to remain relevant across generations. For those who bought Christofle jewelry, the appeal went beyond materials or price; it was about wearing something that connected them to a longer story.<br><br> Today, Christofle jewelry continues to carry that legacy. Every necklace, bracelet, and ring is both a product and a continuation of the house’s history. The designs speak not only of style but of the people behind the tools; the engravers, polishers, and casters whose knowledge is embedded in every surface. Christofle doesn’t just make jewelry, it preserves a way of working, a respect for detail, and a belief that tradition can coexist with progress.<br><br> In a world filled with mass production, Christofle remains rooted in craftsmanship. Its pieces are made to be worn, admired, and eventually passed down, not just because they are beautiful, but because they mean something.