Puiforcat: Silversmith of Excellence Since 1820

For more than two centuries, Puiforcat has embodied the nobility, precision, and enduring beauty of French silversmithing. Founded in Paris in 1820, the Maison stands today as one of the most distinguished names in haute orfèvrerie, celebrated for its uncompromising standards, its mastery of time-honored techniques, and its ability to continually reinvent the art of the table.

From Modest Origins to Parisian Prestige

Puiforcat’s story began humbly in the Marais district of Paris, when brothers Émile and Joseph-Marie Puiforcat, together with their cousin Jean-Baptiste Fuchs, opened a small cutlery workshop. What started as a family enterprise soon flourished, driven by technical excellence and a deep respect for craftsmanship.

A decisive turning point came in 1902, when Louis-Victor Tabouret—husband of Laure Puiforcat and descendant of the founding family—assumed leadership. Under his guidance, Puiforcat was transformed into a luxury silversmith brand admired by Parisian high society. Passionately committed to his craft, Louis-Victor sought to revive the splendor of classic silversmithing at a time when industrialization threatened to eclipse artisanal traditions. Thanks to his vision, elegant dining rooms once again shimmered with sterling silver cutlery, coffee services, vermeil candelabras, and refined tableware that celebrated the French art de vivre.

The Art Deco Revolution

In the 1920s, Puiforcat entered a new creative era under Jean Puiforcat, son of Louis-Victor and Laure. A prominent figure of Belle Époque Paris, Jean Puiforcat was both an artist and a silversmith, and his work profoundly shaped 20th-century design.

Drawing inspiration from the emerging Art Deco movement, he introduced pure lines, geometric rigor, and understated ornamentation. His discreetly fluted cutlery, angular coffee services, and elegantly tapered candlesticks became icons, blending the luminosity of sterling silver with modernist clarity. These creations left an indelible mark on decorative arts and established Puiforcat as a reference point for modern luxury.

Haute Orfèvrerie: Preserving Living Craftsmanship

Since joining the Hermès group in the early 1990s, Puiforcat has continued to uphold its heritage of excellence with absolute respect for its roots. At the heart of the Maison lies its Haute Orfèvrerie workshop, now located in Pantin, just outside Paris.

Here, craftsmen perpetuate the same gestures practiced by the great silversmiths of past centuries. Hammering, planishing, spinning, chasing, engraving—these meticulous techniques require strength, precision, and patience, and they are passed down through generations. While modernization has transformed the workshop’s exterior, its spirit remains unchanged: the same attention to detail, the same exacting standards, and the same devotion to perfection endure.

Yet Puiforcat is never nostalgic. Rather than looking backward, the Maison actively shapes the future of silversmithing, ensuring that heritage remains a living, evolving force.

Contemporary Creation and Artistic Dialogue

Under the artistic direction of Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry, Puiforcat has forged meaningful collaborations with leading figures in contemporary creation. These partnerships reaffirm the Maison’s commitment to innovation while honoring its legacy.

Notable collaborations include the Donald Judd Foundation in New York for the Dinner Service collection, ceramic artist Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye for Séléné, and most recently Silver Set 2025 by British artist Rachel Whiteread. Each project explores new dialogues between form, function, and material, expanding the expressive potential of silver in a contemporary context.

At Puiforcat, excellence is not reserved for exceptional occasions alone—it is meant to enrich everyday life. The Maison’s craftsmen bring this philosophy to life through objects designed for daily use yet elevated by extraordinary craftsmanship.

Customization plays a central role in this pursuit of uniqueness. Many collections can be personalized upon request: a name engraved on a napkin ring, a meaningful date etched into an egg cup, or initials delicately incised onto flatware. Using traditional burins and engraving techniques, artisans create deeply personal pieces that transform functional objects into lasting heirlooms.

Celebrating Heritage and Creation in Dubai

Puiforcat continues to share its heritage with the world. On the occasion of unveiling Silver Set 2025, the Maison made a prestigious stop at Hermès in Dubai. Alongside its latest contemporary creations, Puiforcat presented a remarkable selection of iconic works from its classical and Art Deco heritage.

This presentation offered an exploration of beauty across centuries and styles—from timeless classics to boldly modern designs—highlighting the Maison’s ever-renewed modernity and the vitality of its legacy.

A Legacy Alive and Shining

From a small Parisian workshop to a globally revered Maison, Puiforcat’s journey is one of fidelity to craftsmanship, artistic audacity, and enduring excellence. Rooted in history yet resolutely forward-looking, Puiforcat continues to grace the world’s finest tables, proving that true luxury lies in mastery, meaning, and time itself.