Skip to main content

Puiforcat Flatware

to
14
99
66
162
3
1
49
13
13
10
7
3
3
2
50
110
4
26
12
7
3
15
6
1
2
2
4
163
160
137
20
10
126
123
3
3
166
166
166
62
60
57
3
3
Sort By
Puiforcat (Hermes) - 70pc Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set + Chests !
By Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
, Puiforcat has maintained its status as a paragon of excellence in the creation of sterling silver flatware
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 48pc Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set + Chests !
By Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
, Puiforcat has maintained its status as a paragon of excellence in the creation of sterling silver flatware
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 299pc. Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set, Vauban
By Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
flatware set by France’s premier silversmith “Puiforcat” (currently owned by Hermes) in their much sought
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes), 140pc Antique Sterling Silver & Vermeil Flatware Set-Mazarin
By Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a magnificent 140pc. sterling silver and vermeil flatware set by France’s
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Sterling Silver

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Moderne by Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 59 pieces total
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is considered the
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Empire by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set Swan 49 Pcs Dinner
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
craftsmanship. Superb Empire by Puiforcat sterling silver flatware set, 49 pieces in fitted chest. This rare
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Choiseul by Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 49 Pcs Dinner
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding Choiseul by Puiforcat French sterling silver flatware set, 49 pieces. This set includes
Category

20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bougainville by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 37 Pcs in Box
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite Bougainville by Puiforcat France sterling silver flatware set, 37 pieces. This set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Empire by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set Swan 99 Pcs Dinner
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
craftsmanship. Superb Dinner Size Empire by Puiforcat sterling silver flatware set, 99 pieces. This rare
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rochambeau by Puiforcat France 950 Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner 159 Pc
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb Rochambeau by Puiforcat France 950 silver flatware set with delicate thread and leaf
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver

Jean Puiforcat Art Deco Cutlery Flatware Nantes Plated 8 People 98 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Cutlery Flatware set "Nantes" made silver plated by Maison Puiforcat after on a model by
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Deco Puiforcat French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 125 Pc
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding Art Deco Puiforcat 950 sterling silver flatware set, 125 pieces. This set includes: 12
Category

20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 246pc 950 Sterling Silver & Vermeil Flatware Set + Chest !
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
elegance are Puiforcat, the French silversmith, and Hermès, the esteemed fashion house. Despite their
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Consulat by Puiforcat France Silverplate Flatware Set Service 41 pcs Dinner
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Parisian silversmith Puiforcat is regarded as one of the legendary names in European silver
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Coquille by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service French 78 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Coquille by Puiforcat 950 sterling silver flatware and unknown maker French sterling set of 78
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sevigne by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service French 52 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Puiforcat 950 sterling silver flatware set of 52 pieces. This set includes: Six dinner size knives, 9 7/8
Category

Late 20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Consulat by Puiforcat France Silverplate Flatware Set Service 116 Pcs Dinner
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Parisian silversmith Puiforcat is regarded as one of the legendary names in European silver
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Richelieu Vermeil by Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 40 pc
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Puiforcat sterling silver Flatware set, 40 pieces. This service includes: 10 Knives, 8 1/2" 10 Forks, 7 1
Category

20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Richelieu by Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 20 pcs
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is considered the
Category

20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Elysee by Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 60 pcs
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is considered the
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Louvois by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 54 pcs Dinner
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
craftsmanship. Superb Dinner Size Louvois by Puiforcat sterling silver flatware set, 54 pieces.This set
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XIV Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Noailles by Puiforcat French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 231 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Noailles by Puiforcat French sterling silver dinner size flatware set, 231 pieces. This set
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lauzun by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set French 77 Pcs with Fitted Box
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is is considered
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 170pc. French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Flatware Set
By Odiot
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a Magnificent 170pc. 950 Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Flatware Set with 8 Serving
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Colbert Coligny Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 56 Pcs Dn
Located in Big Bend, WI
of the legendary Puiforcat silversmiths. Outstanding Art Deco Puiforcat sterling silver Flatware
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jean E Puiforcat Flatware Biarittz Pattern
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Palm Beach, FL
3 x 12 pieces total 36 pieces The Parisian silversmith Puiforcat is regarded as one of the
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Gilt Sterling Silver "Elysee" Flatware Service
By Puiforcat
Located in San Francisco, CA
Puiforcat gilt sterling silver "Elysee" flatware service Service for twelve with nine pieces per
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of Eight French Sterling Silver Flatware Puiforcat Moliere Pattern
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Puiforcat French sterling silver flatware set. Molière collection. Ornate with acanthus leaves
Category

20th Century French Sheffield and Silverplate

Emile Puiforcat 19th Century Engraved Silver Rococo French Flatware Set, 1870s
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in Florence, IT
Puiforcat complete French silver flatware set of 56 pieces 19th century rococo style, Louis XV
Category

Antique 1870s French Rococo Tableware

Materials

Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set of 12 Pieces Rococo
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
parts of the same model available : Puiforcat fabulous French sterling silver dinner flatware set two
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Rare French Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 12 Pieces Acanthus
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
foliage and flowers motifs. The flatware set is plate n°50 of the Maison Puiforcat catalog, and is called
Category

Antique 1880s French Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Fabulous French Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 60 Pieces Rococo
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
Head of Minerve 1st titre on the dessert flatware for 950/1000 French sterling silver guarantee
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Fabulous French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set 12 Pieces Rococo
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
decoration in the Rococo style. Model called : Louis XV in the catalog of the Maison Puiforcat with fantastic
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Fabulous French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set 12 Pieces, Rococo
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
Rococo style. Model called "Louis XV" in the catalog of the Maison Puiforcat with fantastic decoration in
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set of 12 Pieces Neoclassical
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
: Emile Puiforcat, 16 rue Chapon - Paris. He was active from 1857. The haute couture of the silversmith
Category

Antique 1880s French Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set 25 Pc, Original Box, Iris
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
Art Nouveau style. Finesse of design and quality of execution rarely seen. This flatware includes
Category

Antique 1880s French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Art Deco Sterling Silver Flatware in the Cannes Pattern by Jean Puiforcat
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in New York, NY
encircling top of handle. This pattern was selected by Jean Puiforcat for his own personal set of silverware
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dinner Dessert Flatware Set, Fer De Lance
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
" decoration. Inspired by ironwork and medieval weaponry, this flatware is very good quality. With a refined
Category

Antique 1880s French Gothic Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dessert Entremet Flatware Set of 12 Pc Rococo
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
the Rococo style. Model called "Louis XV" in the catalogue of the Maison Puiforcat. No monograms
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat French Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware 12-Piece Set Roses
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in TRIAIZE, PAYS DE LOIRE
: Roses n°45 in catalog Puiforcat. Once again, the Maison Puiforcat shows that it is one of the most
Category

Antique 1880s French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

PUIFORCAT - Flatware 141 Pieces CHOISEUL model
By Puiforcat
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PUIFORCAT - SILVER HOUSEWARE - “CHOISEUL” MODEL POINCON MINERVE 141 FIGURED PIECES OF A MAVELOT
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat Flatware Service for 24, 248 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally rare 248-piece sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the premier
Category

Early 20th Century French Rococo Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Flatware Nantes 12 Forks 12 Knives Silver Plated, 24 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Flatware "Nantes" made in silver plated by Puiforcat. Typically Art-Deco model. Still on sale at
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

Puiforcat, Elysée Vermeil Gold Sterling Silver Flatware Cutlery Set, 70 Pieces
By Emile Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
) by Puiforcat. Flatware cutlery set of 70 pieces including : - 12 table forks - 12 table knives
Category

20th Century French Louis XIV Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, Vermeil

Puiforcat “Guethary” Flatware Service for Eight
By Puiforcat, Jean Puiforcat
Located in San Francisco, CA
A “Guethary” 58-piece stainless steel flatware service for eight by Puiforcat. Designed in 1926
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Puiforcat Cannes Flatware, circa 1930s
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Art Deco “Cannes” pattern silver flatware set, designed by Jean Puiforcat, France, circa 1930s
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel

Puiforcat - Cutlery Flatware Set Noailles Sterling Silver - 145 Pieces
By Emile Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Cutlery Flatware set "Noailles" made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver by Puiforcat. Cutlery
Category

20th Century Danish Louis XV Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Cutlery Flatware Set Noailles Sterling Silver, 116 Pieces
By Emile Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Cutlery Flatware set "Noailles" made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver by Puiforcat. Cutlery
Category

20th Century Danish Louis XV Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Cutlery Flatware Set Menton Sterling Silver, 84 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat, Emile Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Cutlery flatware set "Menton" made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver by Puiforcat
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 169pc. French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set (Noailles)
By Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, A Superb 169pc. 19th Century 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set with 19 Serving
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Cutlery Flatware Set Colbert Solid Sterling Silver, 42 Pieces
By Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Cutlery Set "Colbert" made in solid sterling silver by Puiforcat for 7 people Wonderful model
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Puiforcat - Cutlery Flatware Set Elysee Sterling Silver & Vermeil - 127 Pieces
By Puiforcat, Emile Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Cutlery Flatware set "Elysee" made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver and vermeil by Puiforcat
Category

20th Century French Louis XIV Sterling Silver

Materials

Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Cannes by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 8 Teaspoons
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Cannes by Puiforcat France sterling silver flatware. This set includes: 8 teaspoons, 6
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cannes by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 12 Dinner
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Large and impressive Cannes by Puiforcat France sterling silver flatware set, dinner and Luncheon
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cardinal by Puiforcat France Silverplate Flatware Set Service 51 Pcs Dinner
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
craftsmanship. Cardinal by Puiforcat silverplated flatware set, 51 pieces. This set includes: 10 dinner
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Puiforcat - Art Deco Cutlery Flatware Set Wave Stainless Steel - 131 Pieces
By Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art-Deco "Wave" cutlery set in stainless steel by Maison Puiforcat, inspired by the Normandie model
Category

1990s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Stainless Steel

Puiforcat Paris Richelieu Cutlery Flatware Set Solid Sterling Silver 108 Pieces
By Emile Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Exceptional "Richelieu" cutlery flatware set by Puiforcat Paris in solid sterling silver. Presented
Category

20th Century Danish Louis XIV Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Set of Art Deco Chantaco Flatware Plated Silver 48 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Set of Art Deco flatware cutlery "Chantaco" made in plated silver by Puiforcat. Excellent condition
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

Cannes by Puiforcat France Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 4 Dinner Spoons
By Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Cannes by Puiforcat France sterling silver flatware. This set includes: 4 large dinner spoons
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Puiforcat, Set of Art Deco Chantaco Flatware Plated Silver 105 Pieces
By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Set of Art Deco flatware cutlery "Chantaco" made in plated silver by Puiforcat. Excellent condition
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Puiforcat Flatware", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Puiforcat Flatware For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of puiforcat flatware on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, silver and sterling silver. There are 60 variations of the antique or vintage piece of puiforcat flatware you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect item from our selection of puiforcat flatware — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A choice in our collection of puiforcat flatware, designed in the Art Deco or Rococo style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made object in our assortment of puiforcat flatware has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat and Emile Puiforcat are consistently popular.

How Much is a Puiforcat Flatware?

Prices for a piece of puiforcat flatware start at $795 and top out at $129,000 with the average selling for $10,995.

Finding the Right Sterling-silver for You

Dining and entertaining changed drastically when we began to set our tables with sterling silver for holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, engagement parties and, in some of today’s homes, everyday meals.

Often called the “Queen of metals,” silver has been universally adored for thousands of years. It is easy to see why it has always been sought after: It is durable, strong and beautiful. (Louis XIV had tables made entirely of silver.) Sterling silver is an alloy that is made of 92.5 percent silver — the “925” stamp that identifies sterling-silver jewelry refers to this number. The other 7.5 percent in sterling silver is typically sourced from copper.

Neoclassical-style sterling-silver goods in Europe gained popularity in the late 18th century — a taste for sterling-silver tableware as well as tea sets had taken shape — while in the United States, beginning in the 19th century, preparing the dinner table with sterling-silver flatware had become somewhat of a standard practice. Indeed, owning lots of silver goods during the Victorian era was a big deal. Back then, displaying fine silver at home was a status symbol for middle-class American families. And this domestic silver craze meant great profitability for legendary silversmith manufacturers such as Reed & Barton, Gorham Manufacturing Company and the International Silver Company, which was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898, a major hub of silver manufacturing nicknamed “Silver City.”

Today, special occasions might call for ceremonial silver designed by Tiffany & Co. or the seductive sterling-silver cutlery from remarkable Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, but there really doesn’t have to be an event on the calendar to trot out your finest tableware.

Event- and wedding-planning company maestro Tara Guérard says that some “investment pieces,” such as this widely enamored alloy, should see everyday use, and we’re inclined to agree.

“Sterling-silver flatware is a must-have that you can use every single day, even to eat cereal,” she says. “Personally, I want a sterling-silver goblet set for 12 to 20; I would use them every time I had a dinner party. Ultimately, there are no criteria for buying vintage pieces: Buy what you love, and make it work.”

Whether you’re thinking “ceremonial” or “cereal,” browse a versatile collection of vintage, new and antique sterling-silver wares on 1stDibs today.

Read More

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

Paul Revere Crafted This Silver Coffee Pot 250 Years Ago

Perhaps best known as a Revolutionary War hero, Revere was also an accomplished silversmith, and this pot is now available on 1stDibs.

From Arne Jacobsen to Zaha Hadid, Top Designers Tackle Tableware

Clever objects like these make feasting even more festive.

How the Chunky, Funky Ceramics of 5 Mid-Century American Artists Balanced Out Slick Modernism

Get to know the innovators behind the pottery countercultural revolution.

Ready for a Cinderella Moment? This Glass Handbag Is a Perfect Fit

Glass slippers might be the stuff of fairytales, but glass handbags? Artist Joshua Raiffe has made them a reality, and they're far less delicate than you might imagine, but just as dreamy.

With Dansk, Jens Quistgaard Delivered Danish Simplicity to American Tables

When a visionary Copenhagen designer teamed up with an enterprising Long Island couple, Scandi-style magic landed in kitchens and dining rooms across the United States.

Hostess Extraordinaire Aerin Lauder Shares Entertaining Tips and Auction Picks

The arbiter of good taste, who has curated a collection for 1stDibs Auctions, invites 1stDibs inside her family’s Hamptons barn for a firsthand look at her welcoming style.

Handmade with Lab-Grade Glass, This Decanter Holds Your Favorite Cocktail Concoctions

Artist Simone Crestani conjures the fascination you remember from Chemistry 101.