Luxury Flatware by Christofle

Based in Paris, France, the Christofle production house has been manufacturing high-quality luxury pieces since 1830. The flatware that is produced is stunning - it is hard to find another company that can marry a table setting with a work of art.

The house specializes in silver with a beginning in creating fine jewelery. Through the years the company has completed many high-profile projects such as:

"...the railroad car of Pope Pius IX, the statues on the façade of the Paris opera, a silver-incrusted nabob's bed, pieces for the Normandie ocean liner and wall panels for the Intercontinental hotel in Geneva."

Christofle creates all the pieces you need to showcase and serve a meal. To do them justice, they need to be reviewed on their own. Here is a look at three of the flatware lines offered.

First choose between Sterling Silver, Christofle Silver, or Stainless Steel and then find the design and cut that suits you best.

The Galea 110-piece Silver set retails for $7750 USD. There is enough flatware for 12 place settings. The design is Christofle's reinvention of a design from 1775 made by Nicolas Cornu. The set comes in its own storage box and in addition to the 12 place settings, you also receive 1 serving spoon and 1 serving fork.

The Albi design is available in all three material choices and in a satin or glossy finish. The design is more traditional than many, but it is timeless with the tear-drop shaped bottom that adds weight and a nice balance when held in the hand.

The Albi 110-piece set in sterling silver retails for $9750 USD. The pieces that are included in the set are:

The stainless steel line of flatware is just as beautiful as its counterparts - but it is an economical choice to own a set of luxury flatware.

The Tenere line has a touch of modern interspersed with simplicity. The flatware handles are slim in profile with the appearance of substance when viewed from the front.

The regular pieces are available in the Tenere line along with these items that can be purchased separately:

• Pie Server $53.50 USD
• Soup Ladle $65.99 USD
• Salad Serving Spoon & Fork $48.75/each USD
• Cheese Knife $30.00 USD