French Crystal by Baccarat

The great French crystal factories of Baccarat (1764) and Saint Louis (1586) were both placed under the protection of his patron saint by Louis XV in the 1760's. Within the next century their cut crystal was among the finest made. The art glass of Galle, Lalique (1909), Daum (1889) added to France's reputation. Lead crystal is made of sand, potash and lead fired at high temperatures, then mouth-blown, molded or machine made. Full lead crystal ("invented" in France in 1781 by Saint Louis) must contain at least 24% lead oxide  which gives it brilliance, weight and clarity. Quality is determined by the method (hand or machine), detail of design and finish (cut, etched, engraved). It can be decorated with color by adding oxides or minerals, paint (applied by hand and refired), silk screening (ceramic paint), frost (sandblasting, acid), and hand cutting (vs. molded design). Cutting produces grooves with sharp angles that increase light-reflecting surfaces adding sparkle. 

Lalique Crystal

Breathtaking creations in crystal. France

Fairytales Figurines by Lalique

This crystal giftware revives Rene Lalique's passion for Nature and its magical floral, mythical fauna and allegorical themes.

Christofle

Cluny Medium Crystal Vase	Sparkling Water Decanter
A refined and contemporary model, Cluny is decorated with "thumbprints" cut into the crystal, which creates its comfort and sensuality. Elegant and feminine, this vase beautifully displays fresh cut flower arrangements.	Uniquely beautiful shape designed by Serge Mansau. 33¾ oz. capacity, 13¾ inch height. Sparkling Water decanter shaped so the air bubbles rise to the top

Daum Crystal

Glassmaker Jean Daum, the French crystallerie known for exotic colors and sinuous lines, began shaping glass in 1878, creating flowing vessels and figures that symbolized Art Nouveau. Memorable gifts. Each piece is made with finely etched details typical of pâte de verre, in which ground crystal is formed into a paste, placed in a mold, and then fired, an ancient glass paste technique used by the Egyptians to make jewelry and amulets and re-introduced by the House of Daum in the early 20th century. Made in France.

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