Baccarat Crystal and Glass Reside at the Art Glass Pinnacle

Baccarat Glass, or Baccarat Crystal is a one-of-a-kind gift. This handcrafted glassware is of the highest quality, luminous and exquisite in design, and is desired throughout the world. To own a piece of Baccarat glass is to own a piece of history.

Some History

In 1764, to provide industry and jobs for the small village of Baccarat, King Louis XV of France allowed a glassworks to be built. At it's peak, the factory employed around 3000 people. At first, mainly mirrors, glasses and window panes were produced. However, as the story goes, in 1815, following the French Revolution, the well-known and established glassworks in Voneche, in Northern France, found itself outside the country when Belgium was formed. In order to get back into the country, the owner purchased the Baccarat glass company so he could once again sell his glassware to Frenchmen without having to pay large taxes.

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Apparently, a deal was made with the king of France to lower these taxes, if he once again set up shop in France. After this, the Baccarat company decided to focus mainly on producing lead-crystal glass of high quality, and in 1816, the first crystal oven was installed. In the early 1820's, Baccarat received it's first commission from European royalty, making table settings, one of which, the Harcourt design, is still used at official functions by the President of France. Baccarat Crystal is also well known for its paperweights which often feature real flowers, insects, and even small portraits of its customers encased in the glass. In addition, the company has also manufactured urns, vases, candelabras and chandeliers.

Lead Crystal Quality

Baccarat glass had a reputation for not only creating fine glass and crystal, but also because they continually studied the refinement and techniques of lead crystal making. The company's desire was to perfect the making of lead crystal so that it had a lead content of no less than 25%. It was one of the first glassworks to create an opaline type of translucent glassware, and in the late 1830's Baccarat started the use of colored glass in its creations. It also formed a technique which gave the glass appearance of changing colors, just by the addition of uranium oxide.

In modern years, the noble customers have been replaced by the wealthy and those with distinguished taste, because even with the institution of mass production, Baccarat glass has never lost its reputation as being at the pinnacle in crystal design. Aside from Paris, there is a Baccarat House in Moscow, and the product is sold in shops around the world. It also has divisions which are located in Japan and Hong Kong.

Baccarat Crystal Makes a Great Gift

Baccarat crystal and glass has been synonymous with luxury and elegance. For the past 200 years, it has been the foremost name in the production and distribution of fine crystal goods. Whether giving or receiving, Baccarat glass is indeed a one-of-a kind gift enjoyed by all.

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Tags: Art Glass, Baccarat Crystal, baccarat glass, Crystal, glass, glassworks, lead crystal