Frequently Asked Questions
What is Odiot?
Founded in Paris in 1690, Odiot is one of the oldest and most prestigious gold and silversmith houses in the world. Its reputation was established during the reign of Louis XV. Odiot’s most glorious chapter was written under Napoleon, for whom the house produced the scepter and sword of the Empire, the cradle of the King of Rome, and immense silver services for the Imperial household. The pieces created by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot during this era are widely regarded as among the most beautiful creations that French goldsmithy has ever produced.
What is the heritage of Odiot's royal and aristocratic commissions?
Odiot’s history reads as a succession of the world’s most extraordinary clients: Napoleon and his family, King Louis-Philippe and the Orléans dynasty, and ultimately the Tsar of Russia. Today, the house preserves this tradition through an incomparable collection of original molds and drawings built up over three centuries.
What pieces are available from Odiot at Kneen & Co?
Kneen & Co carries a curated selection of Odiot’s sterling silver collections. All Odiot flatware and serving pieces may be ordered individually upon request, and the full range of Odiot collections is available through the Kneen & Co team by special order.
What care does Odiot sterling silver require?
Odiot sterling silver flatware is dishwasher safe, though hand washing with a soft cloth and regular polishing with a quality silver cream will preserve the depth of the silver and the crispness of the chased ornament across generations of use.
Is Odiot appropriate as a wedding gift?
Odiot silver represents among the most consequential of all wedding gifts—flatware that connects its owners to more than three centuries of French craftsmanship and to the most illustrious table in European history.
Is Odiot appropriate as a significant heirloom commission?
Yes. A commission of Odiot silver for a wedding table is an act of genuine ambition—a declaration that the table matters, and that it will be set with objects worthy of every occasion it will host for generations to come.
What lead times apply to Odiot at Kneen & Co?
Odiot sterling silver is available as a special order with lead times of 10–16 weeks from Paris. The Kneen & Co team is pleased to guide clients through the full range of available patterns and individual pieces.