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French Crystal by BaccaratThe 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 CrystalBreathtaking creations in crystal. France
Christofle
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
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Copyright © 2006 Last Modified: October 06, 2007
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