Napkin rings appeared in France around 1800 and quickly became an essential tableware item throughout Europe. Circular in shape, they are designed to hold folded napkins in place, making napkins easy to store between lunch and dinner, and the napkin's owner easily identifiable.
Christofle napkin rings embody timeless elegance through collections blending classic lines with sculptural contemporary designs.
Ideal as personalized gifts, several collections can be customized through engraving.
During the 19th century, napkin rings were usually made of silver and engraved with iconic patterns of the day, adorned with coats of arms, monograms or names. Their customisability and their place in the collective imagination over the span of two centuries have made napkin rings the ideal gift for newborn babies. While they are representative of family life, symbolising the daily gathering of a community around a table, they are also luxury items.
Elegant and refined, napkin rings have become a social marker of belonging over time. The French phrase "having one's napkin ring" means being someone worth knowing. A customisable piece, the napkin ring is a timeless gift to celebrate happy events, especially births. It will enhance your table on big and small social occasions.
In tribute to Charles Christofle and his close-knit family, Christofle invites you around his table through napkin rings named after five women who played an important role in his life: Anne, Hyacinthe, Henriette, Rosine and Marie Rose.
With their classic and refined designs, these timeless creations embody the Maison’s heritage and bring understated elegance to every table setting.
Anne was Charles Christofle’s mother (1772–1812). Reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and taste for innovation, the Anne napkin ring features an elegant octagonal silhouette with a delicately raised edge.
Hyacinthe was Charles Christofle’s older sister (1792–1857). With its minimalist Art Deco lines, the Hyacinthe napkin ring features an octagonal shape enhanced by broad raised bands for a subtle geometric effect.
Rosine was Charles Christofle’s second sister (1795–1876). A timeless design, the Rosine napkin ring features an open oval shape accented with raised lines that curve elegantly at each end.
Henriette (Anne Henriette) was Charles Christofle’s younger sister (1800–1837). Inspired by Art Deco design, the Henriette napkin ring features a closed circular shape accented with raised parallel rings evocative of the 1930s.
Marie-Rose was Charles Christofle’s daughter (1835–1918). The Marie-Rose napkin ring is adorned with two raised beaded threads of varying sizes, a delicate Napoleon III motif emblematic of 19th-century refinement.
Napkin rings become sculptural table accents, transforming every place setting into a refined composition.
With their bold shapes and graphic lines, these pieces bring character and contemporary elegance to the table. Inspired by the Empire style, Malmaison is distinguished by its palm and lotus motifs, while Babylone features braided lines and modern curves. Perles adds a timeless decorative touch with its signature beaded detailing.
The Beebee, Nathalie and MOOD Baby collections bring elegance and softness to children’s tables through playful yet refined designs. The perfect birth gifts, these timeless napkin rings become precious keepsakes to cherish and personalize through engraving.
