Refined. Geometric. Unmistakably French. Puiforcat silver is the kind of tableware that doesn't just sit quietly; it makes a statement. From the symmetry of Art Deco to the precision of neoclassical form, Puiforcat silverware is where art meets function.
Pronounced "pwee-for-KAH," this storied French silversmith has become synonymous with refinement, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Whether you're drawn to neoclassical Puiforcat flatware, its Art Deco pieces, or more contemporary collaborations, Puiforcat silver stands apart as a benchmark of quality and design.
In this week's blog, we explore the history, artistry, and collectibility of Puiforcat silver—and reveal our picks for the top Puiforcat silver collections.
History of Puiforcat Silver
Puiforcat was established in 1820 by Émile Puiforcat, a talented silversmith in Paris. At a time when French silver was already admired across Europe, Puiforcat brought a bold new approach to form and function. The workshop remained in the family for four generations, with each building on the brand’s legacy of both meticulous metalwork and inspired design.
It was Jean Puiforcat, a fourth-generation artisan and trained sculptor, who truly transformed the brand. In the 1920s and '30s, he infused the company with the clean lines and geometric precision of the Art Deco movement. These creations—silver flatware with stepped handles, architectural candlesticks, and minimalist tea sets—brought modernism into the realm of luxury silverware.
The Puiforcat Silver Design Philosophy
Puiforcat silver is immediately recognizable for its harmony of form and precision. Whether you're holding a teaspoon or admiring a ceremonial vase, the attention to detail is unmistakable. Many of Puiforcat's most beloved collections follow principles borrowed from sculpture, mathematics, and classical proportion.
In fact, Jean Puiforcat was among the first silversmiths to approach flatware and table objects as modern design in their own right. Drawing on his background in sculpture and influenced by the clean lines of Cubism and Art Deco, he treated everyday silverware as a medium for artistic expression. His work rejected ornate embellishment in favour of streamlined forms, precise geometry, and refined function. This is a philosophy that continues to define Puiforcat silver today.
Top Puiforcat Silver Collections
Over two centuries, Puiforcat has released numerous designs that appeal to collectors, decorators, and hosts alike. Some of the most sought-after patterns include:
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Annecy – Elegant and refined, Annecy features subtle, flowing lines that work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings. A favourite for formal table settings.
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Élysée – Designed for the French presidential palace, Élysée is a neoclassical triumph. Its fine engraving, beaded border, and sense of weight exude prestige.
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Cannes – A more contemporary design, Cannes has smooth, tapered forms that feel architectural and sleek. Perfect for minimalist tablescapes.
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Richelieu – A heritage design reintroduced for modern audiences, Richelieu showcases Puiforcat's dedication to reviving classical artistry.
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Zermatt – Bold and modern, Zermatt flatware features fluted handles and generous proportions. It's often chosen by chefs and design-conscious entertainers.
Many of these collections include complete silverware services—place settings, carving sets, serving spoons, and more—crafted in sterling silver and designed to last for generations.
Collectibility and Value of Puiforcat Silver
While Puiforcat silver is still made today, many collectors seek out vintage or antique pieces for their rarity and craftsmanship. Earlier Art Deco designs by Jean Puiforcat are especially coveted, often fetching high prices at auction. Even post-war flatware services, if complete and in good condition, remain highly desirable.
What drives this demand? It's partly the prestige of the name, but also the enduring quality. Puiforcat silver isn't just pretty, it's functional, well-balanced, and made to age gracefully. Unlike mass-produced cutlery, each piece reflects traditional silversmithing methods, including hand-chasing, polishing, and finishing.
Those interested in acquiring Puiforcat often begin with a few place settings or serving pieces, then build over time. For the serious collector, rare patterns and full services in original fitted boxes are among the most prized.
Identifying Authentic Puiforcat Silver
Genuine Puiforcat silver typically bears the French Minerva hallmark, indicating sterling silver (at least 950/1000 purity), along with the Puiforcat maker's mark, which is a lozenge containing the letters "EP" for Émile Puiforcat.
Pieces from the early 20th century may carry additional marks from the workshop or the silversmith responsible for fabrication. High-value flatware and serving items often come with their own documentation or custom boxes, though these aren't necessary for authentication.
As always, buying from a trusted seller who can provide provenance or proof of authenticity ensures you're investing in the real thing.
Puiforcat Silver Today
Since 1993, Puiforcat has been part of the Hermès Group, allowing the brand to continue its legacy with renewed creative freedom. Recent collaborations with contemporary designers and chefs have resulted in cutting-edge collections that maintain the Puiforcat spirit while pushing boundaries.
Yet the heart of the brand remains in its Parisian workshop, where silversmiths continue to forge, file, and polish each piece by hand. Whether you're purchasing a vintage carving knife or commissioning a bespoke candelabrum, Puiforcat's commitment to artisanal excellence remains unchanged.
Fine Silverware at Around the Block
If you're in search of high-quality silverware or sterling flatware, Around the Block in Toronto offers all the top silver brands, including Puiforcat and other global names like Christofle, Georg Jensen, Gorham, Mappin & Webb, Elkington & Co., and Birks.
Whether you're a collector, a host who values timeless elegance, or someone looking for a showstopping gift, our inventory of consigned fine silver changes daily, from intricately designed antique place settings to more modern sterling silver accessories; there's always something exceptional to discover.
