> Most Christofle cutlery is silver plate, not solid silver: its value by weight is near zero and it is not bought at the silver price. Any value it has is a *Source : https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/christofle-cutlery-value/* --- ● Guide # Christofle cutlery: silver plate and resale value Published on **24/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief Most Christofle cutlery is **silver plate**, not solid silver: its value by weight is near zero and it is not bought at the silver price. Any value it has is a second-hand value (model, condition, completeness), which should be checked against the hallmark. ## Silver plate or solid silver: the key distinction Christofle is a table-ware house whose regular output is mostly **silver plate**: a base metal covered with a thin layer of silver. Unlike solid silver, this plating has a near-zero value by weight and is not bought at the silver price. The main clue is the hallmark: silver plate carries a maker's mark, often square in shape, and **no Minerva hallmark**. Some high-end pieces do exist in solid silver, identifiable by the Minerva: you should therefore always check the hallmark before drawing any conclusion, without disparaging a house recognised for its build quality. ## Where the value of Christofle cutlery lies For silver plate, value comes not from the metal but from the **second-hand and brand** market. It depends on how sought-after the model is, on overall condition (no deep scratches, unworn plating), and above all on the **completeness of the set**: a full, matching service in its case resells better than a single piece. This value belongs to antique dealers, private sales or table-ware specialists, not to buyback by weight. If, on the other hand, a piece carries a Minerva hallmark, it is solid silver and is calculated at the price: see our guide on [calculating your silverware's value](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/calculate-silverware-value/) for the method. ## Check before selling Before any step, examine each piece with a magnifying glass to read the marks: a Minerva points to solid silver and a [silver buyback](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/) at the price; a square maker's mark with no Minerva confirms silver plate, to be directed to the second-hand market. Avoid over-cleaning: aggressive cleaning can damage the plating and patina, and reduce the value of a second-hand piece. Gather the elements that add value to a set (original case, number of pieces, model reference). A careful but non-abrasive presentation is enough for a second-hand resale. ## Frequently asked questions Is Christofle cutlery bought at the silver price? No, if it is silver plate: its value by weight is near zero. It is only bought at the price if it carries a Minerva hallmark attesting solid silver, which remains the minority case. How do I know if my Christofle cutlery is solid silver? Look at the hallmark. A square maker's mark with no Minerva indicates silver plate. A Minerva hallmark (950 or 800 thousandths) attests solid silver, which can be calculated at the day's price. ## Read also [ Guide 1 kg silver bar: investor format and buyback ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/1kg-silver-bar-value/)[ Guide Calculating your silverware's value: a step-by-step method ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/calculate-silverware-value/)[ Guide Should you clean your silverware before selling it? ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/clean-silverware-before-selling/) ## Sell at the best price near you Compare the silver buyers in your city. [See the rankings](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/)