Baccarat Lustre Chandelier Lawrence Dunn, October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 Among the world’s most prized luxury items, a baccarat lustre is an exquisite piece of art that can elevate any room. As the name suggests, lustre is a technique whereby gold or silver powder is fused to glass in order to create a shimmering surface. While luster can be applied to any type of glass, it is most often used on crystal pieces, and this includes chandeliers and other decorative fixtures. At 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of antique and vintage lustre baccarat as well as contemporary versions made in the same style. A renowned producer of crystal and fine tableware, Baccarat is a brand that has been in operation for over 250 years. The firm has a rich and storied legacy that spans across two centuries of political, social and cultural change. The company’s success was propelled by an innovative spirit that adapted its craftsman skills to changing times and trends. This is how the company managed to achieve such enduring appeal that its products remain classics even today. Baccarat was founded in the 18th Century by a group of landowners who wanted to capitalize on their natural resources in the French city of Baccarat. The firm initially produced window panes and mirrors but would soon establish a reputation for creating glassware. It was not until the 19th Century that the firm reached its peak in both design and technical innovation, earning a loyal clientele that included global royalty and heads of state. One of the company’s early successes was in the production of milky, opaline glass that resembled fine porcelain. This ethereal glass became a hugely popular item, especially among Victorian collectors. Baccarat’s strong showings in the major exhibitions of the period helped the firm develop a global presence. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, the firm began to produce monumental lighting fixtures for exhibitions and royal palaces around the globe. For example, it created a candelabra that was nearly five meters tall and exhibited it at Paris’ Exposition Universelle in 1855. The piece astonished contemporary viewers, who referred to it as’malachite crystal’ because of its color and shimmering properties. The firm’s popularity continued throughout the twentieth century, with its chandeliers a favorite among Russia’s wealthy aristocracy. The company also produced work that was influenced by Japanese designs and expanded its reach to Asia. Today, Baccarat continues to be a prestigious brand that produces a wide range of glass and jewelry. Its skilled artisans exemplify the best of the art of French craftsmanship. The house currently employs 50 skill sets and 14 Meilleurs Apprentis de France, while its ancestral techniques continue to evolve with the times. At the same time, the firm remains dedicated to training the next generation of master craftsmen. This is how the 256-year old company has sustained such an internationally respected reputation for quality and design. Main