Alain Saint-Joanis

Everything You Wanted to Know About Alain St Joanis

Once you experience Alain St Joanis flatware, you'll never mistake it for anything else. The signature feature of each collection is the handles—crafted from the most unexpected materials or precious metals, with the finest hand-detailed ornamentation. 

This cutlery brand has undoubtedly earned a special place among French luxury dining manufacturers and continues to elevate its creations each year with fresh ideas and artistic approaches.

History

The story of the Saint-Joanis Alain brand began in 1876 in the French town of Puy-de-Dome with a small family-run cutlery workshop. The pieces crafted there quickly gained popularity among aristocrats and the bourgeoisie. 

Their success was due to exceptional quality and the masterful craftsmanship of the handles, which were like true handmade masterpieces. Before long, other tableware pieces were added to the collection, along with experimental variations in materials: ebony, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, and ivory, plus precious metals and innovative crafting techniques.

Manufacturing and Design Features

The production process involves complex and labor-intensive stages, from designing and selecting materials to meticulous handcrafting. 

Each Saint-Joanis collection has its own unique charm with a touch of style: whether it’s ivory or resin handles, silver or wood finishes, graphic patterns, mirror polishing, engravings, vintage elements, or nature-inspired designs. 

The variety in design and material selection is astonishing. Like other long-established French brands specializing in luxury dinnerware, the house offers both modern collections and historical designs, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

Exclusive Options

For clients who prefer more exclusive options for an elegant table setting, Alain Saint offers custom design and personalized creation. This service includes custom finishes, unique handle shapes, engraving or inlays, and a wide range of design alternatives.

 A tailored approach is offered for restaurants, hotels, and interior designers, allowing them to request custom-made collections on-demand, completely unique and one-of-a-kind.

Alain Saint-Joanis: The Finest Collections

Alain Saint-Joanis flatware offers three main lines with a selection of premium cutlery: Prestige, Tendance, and Couteaux à Steak. Each collection follows its distinct quality standards and features carefully selected materials. 

A standout feature of all forks, knives, spoons, and other pieces is their dishwasher compatibility.

MDMAISON presents the top 3 collections, carefully selected by our experts.

Losange Alain St Joanis cutlery

One of the unique masterpieces from the Alain St Joanis handcrafted flatware Prestige line is the Losange (silver plated) tableware set. Its defining feature is the jeweler-like precision of craftsmanship and the use of 33-micron silver-plated metal to create a masterpiece of modern artistry.

 The dynamic and textured geometric pattern features interwoven engraved diamonds on the handle’s surface, creating a play of light and a shimmering effect under different lighting conditions. The upper part of each piece has a slightly more refined and smooth shape. 

Overall, the design features slightly softened contours and defined edges, providing a comfortable and elegant feel in hand during a meal.

Croisette White Cutlery

Another standout from the prestigious Alain Saint-Joanis cutlery line is the Croisette collection—a perfect blend of classic elegance, modern lightness, and inspiration from the French Riviera. 

Its standout feature is the textured handle design, which feels like woven fabric to the touch. Moreover, to create visual appeal, the collection is available in a variety of colors. MDMAISON recommends a more versatile option—the silver-plated Croisette White, which beautifully replicates the lightness of a snow-white pearl hue. 

Popular Art Deco motifs, blending symmetry with smooth lines, make this flatware perfect for any occasion.

Wave Almond Flatware Collection

The Tendance line from Alain st Joanis cutlery is known for its bold extravagance and striking elegance. Here, you will find a mix of unique shapes and unexpected textures that offer visual delight and bring an enjoyable dining experience. 

A perfect example of such exclusive flatware is the Wave Almond Inox collection, where the artisans have captured natural harmony and modern minimalism, focusing on color interpretation as the key design element. The 33-micron lacquered silver-plated handle in a soft almond shade stands out not just for its color. Your fingers will love gliding over the delicate, textured lines that resemble gentle waves. 

The upper part and ferrule are made of silver plate, featuring slightly elongated, ergonomic shapes that ensure a comfortable grip and a truly enjoyable dining experience. This Alain Joanis set is perfect for those who appreciate warm, organic textures, refined aesthetics, a relaxed yet elegant ambiance, and a unique sense of style.

Pairing Alain Saint-Joanis Cutlery with Other Tableware

At first sight, the designs of this manufactory’s pieces may seem rich and elaborate. However, after experimenting with different combinations, MDMAISON experts have concluded that St Joanis cutlery doesn’t overpower a setting. Instead, it adds a sense of lightness, fills visual gaps in table arrangements, and enhances the overall aesthetic—both for dining setups and interior decor. 

You can effortlessly pair this flatware with elegant Limoges porcelain in both white and colored designs, glassware of various shapes, and home textiles with different textures.

MDMAISON Ordering Options

Without a doubt, every Alain Saint-Joanis France collection offers you and your table a one-of-a-kind artistic experience that you won’t find anywhere else. MDMAISON gives you the opportunity to choose your favorite set from this exceptional brand or explore other high-end cutlery items from other top-tier luxury manufacturers. 

We will help you place your order or design your own unique, prestigious project to create the perfect table setting or interior solution. We offer personalized service for private clients worldwide, as well as exclusive partnerships with design studios on favorable terms. Contact us to step into a world of luxurious decor and refined space styling.

FAQ

What makes Alain Saint-Joanis flatware unique?

Alain Saint-Joanis pieces stand out for their refined design, handcrafted production in France, and use of premium materials.

What materials are used to create Alain Saint-Joanis flatware?

The flatware is crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, silver-plated metal, and gold plating. It also features natural materials such as olive wood, rosewood, horn, mother-of-pearl, resin, and lacquered wood.

Can I use Alain Saint-Joanis flatware in the dishwasher?

Yes, all pieces are designed for dishwasher use, even with their exquisite materials and unique design. However, they should be washed on a delicate cycle for optimal care.