Founded more than one hundred years ago, Richard Orfèvre is one of the last silversmiths in France to keep to traditional forms of workmanship.

To pass through the doors of its workshop in the heart of the fashionable historic area of Marais in Paris is to steep oneself in over a century of French fine living culture and know-how. In 1910 Edmond Ricard, a silversmith by trade, set himself up when he took over the Maison Grandvigne at 30, rue des Gravilliers. Since then five generations of avid silversmiths have called the workshop home, fired over the years by a shared passion to carry on the tradition of making exquisite silver cutlery. Beyond the entrance and deep in the back yard of an 18th-century mansion lie the forge and workshop where every day the craftspeople of Richard Orfèvre continue the traditional production of sterling silver cutlery. From tracing the outlines to working the metal, skilled hands deftly wield hammer, punch, die and other tools of the trade until the final touch is put in the form of two hallmarks stamped onto the silver to confirm the quality and authenticity of the finished item. The French Assay Mark bears the head of the Roman goddess Minerva and confirms the purity of the silver. The Maker's Mark is a diamond containing the initials of Richard Orfèvre on either side of two vine leaves. Two symbols of artistic excellence and genuine French craftsmanship.

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Our collections

To pass through the doors of its workshop in the heart of the fashionable historic area of Marais in Paris is to steep oneself in over a century of French fine living culture and know-how. In 1910 Edmond Ricard, a silversmith by trade, set himself up when he took over the Maison Grandvigne at 30, rue des Gravilliers. Since then five generations of avid silversmiths have called the workshop home, fired over the years by a shared passion to carry on the tradition of making exquisite silver cutlery. Beyond the entrance and deep in the back yard of an 18th-century mansion lie the forge and workshop where every day the craftspeople of Richard Orfèvre continue the traditional production of sterling silver cutlery.

From tracing the outlines to working the metal, skilled hands deftly wield hammer, punch, die and other tools of the trade until the final touch is put in the form of two hallmarks stamped onto the silver to confirm the quality and authenticity of the finished item. The French Assay Mark bears the head of the Roman goddess Minerva and confirms the purity of the silver. The Maker's Mark is a diamond containing the initials of Richard Orfèvre on either side of two vine leaves. Two symbols of artistic excellence and genuine French craftsmanship.

JEAN-PIERRE COTTET-DUBREUIL, WHEN TRIED MEETS TESTED

The firm remained in the family for nearly a century, passing to Edmond Ricard's daughter, Gabrielle, who renamed it Orfèvrerie Richard after her marriage to Marcel Richard, and then his grandson Jacques in 1952. Francis Régala took over the workshop in 1994. In 2012 Jean-Pierre Cottet-Dubreuil became the new owner of Richard Orfèvre and wasted no time burnishing its artistic credentials with the opening up of new markets abroad. Jean-Pierre has been a source of fresh inspiration since 2002 when he joined the concern as a silversmith working alongside Danielle and Françis Régala. It was at his urging that Richard Orfèvre explored new creative territory, bringing in contemporary designers. Drawing on the newest trends in design, he keeps the prestigious wellspring of heritage and tradition radically relevant yet tastefully timeless. In 2013 he called on architect Grégory Monier to reorient the premises and turn the old shop into a stunning showcase adjoining the smithy.

In recognition of his professional merit, the Fondation d’Entreprise Hermès invited him to the Skills Academy 2017 on metalworking. Since 2010 Richard Orfèvre has been classified an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, or living heritage company. In October 2018 it became part of the Grands Ateliers de France, a group of notable artisanal workshops in the French tradition.

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Richard Orfèvre historical marks

1910 - 1925

1925 - 1934

1934 - 1994

1994 - 2012

Depuis 2012

STERLING SILVER, A HEART OF GOLD

Making sterling silver cutlery is the trade at the core of Richard Orfèvre. All items are 95% silver (millesimal fineness of 950 parts per thousand), be they forks (fish, oyster, cake), spoons (coffee, tea, caviar, ice cream) or other. From sumptuous Louis XIV sets to more modern pieces, the cutlery collections on display at the Richard shop reflect all the polished style and sophistication of the French art of dining. The workshop also produces all manner of decorative objects such as classical candelabra, Art Deco plates and vases, and baby gift silverware collections.