When selecting porcelain tableware and cutlery from historic brands made by true craftsmen as a gift, it is crucial to ensure their authenticity. At Atelier16, we are proud to work with companies that have a rich legacy. This allows our clients to become owners of pieces created by “centuries-old masters” — brands that began production in the 19th or even 18th century and continue to offer the same products, using the same materials and traditional technologies to this day. Here’s how to verify that an item is not a replica.

Christofle

Christofle has been renowned since 1830 for its masterful finishing and distinctive hallmarks. Authentic Christofle pieces feature clear branding with the brand name and often the country of origin. The founder, Charles Christofle, pioneered the technique of applying a thin layer of silver over metal. As a result, original pieces have an exceptionally smooth surface with an even, luxurious sheen. Christofle items are noticeably heavier than cheap replicas due to the superior base material and thickness of the silver plating. The brand is known for maintaining a silver thickness of 80 microns — enough to last up to 60 years — applied over a base of copper, zinc, and nickel.

Hermès

The Parisian haute couture house is instantly recognizable through its distinctive designs. Glasses, mugs, and plates are adorned with patterns inspired by naïve art and ethnic motifs. Genuine Hermès pieces usually carry the official “Hermès Paris” marking along with the collection name. The decorations are complex, with precise color palettes and fine detailing. On originals, patterns are applied consistently, with perfect symmetry and smooth color transitions. Replicas often show uneven gilding and inconsistent artwork. Hermès tableware stands out for its high-quality glaze, dense porcelain, and flawless firing.

Ginori (Richard Ginori 1735)

Authentic Ginori 1735 porcelain is characterized by its extreme thinness, translucency in the thinnest areas, and exquisite hand-painted decoration. Pay close attention to the base (foot) and firing quality. Visible rough finishing, uneven glaze, or inconsistent texture are common signs of counterfeits.

Authenticity of Silverware

Genuine silverware features clear, sharp, and wear-resistant hallmarks that include the manufacturer’s name, assay office marks, and symbols indicating metal composition and country of origin.

Simple at-home tests include:

  • A magnet should not attract real silver.
  • A light tap should produce a clear, resonant ring.

For professional verification, methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are used to analyze the alloy composition without damaging the item. Another key factor is craftsmanship: uniform plating, smooth contours, and high level of design detail.

Authenticity of Porcelain Tableware

Key indicators include high uniformity, even glazing, and meticulous finishing. A basic test: genuine porcelain allows light to pass through its thinnest parts (such as cup rims and handles).

Quality of painting is crucial — original hand-painted pieces show natural brush strokes with subtle variations, while replicas often look flat, with blurred edges and mechanical uniformity.

Markings on the base of porcelain items should be crisp and clearly stamped. It’s important to distinguish true hand-painting (which has slight irregularities, visible brush traces, and unique micro-imperfections) from machine-applied decoration.

We recommend purchasing from trusted online platforms and boutiques that guarantee authenticity. Now you can independently verify the authenticity of your purchase and be confident that Atelier16 offers only genuine products directly from the manufacturers.