What is Baccarat Crystal? Lawrence Dunn, November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 The town of Baccarat in Meurthe-et-Moselle, France, is a world leader in crystal production and has gained the nickname “the jewel of the Meurthe” because of its sparkling gems. It is most well-known for its glassworks, including 19th century colored lead crystal and opaline wares, as well as beautiful perfume bottles, tableware, and paperweights. Baccarat also has a reputation for stunning chandeliers and decorative pieces. The company is so revered that it was the first French crystal maker to receive a commission for the massive Crystal Fountain that stands in the courtyard of the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. Baccarat is a family-owned business that has employed several designers through the years. Each brings a unique style to the crystal. Studying the styles of these designers, as well as the techniques they use, can help collectors identify Baccarat crystal even if there is no label. For example, many of the early designs used trellis-like embellishments. The Ballon pattern from 1916, for example, has a similar design. In the beginning, Baccarat was a glassmaker that produced windows and mirrors. In the 1800’s, they added stemware to their line and began to differentiate their products by adding color to the glass. Today Baccarat is the premier crystal house of France, and its works are displayed in museums all over the world. The factory is located in a town in the Meurthe-et-Moselle region of eastern France, just half way between Nancy and Strasbourg. It has earned the distinction of being an applied arts town, with nearly twenty of its workers earning the designation of Meilleurs Ouvriers de la France (Best Craftsmen of France). Its famous crystal is exported all over the world. In 1823, the company received its first royal commission from King Louis XV and specialized in the manufacture of glassware. During the 19th century, the company was awarded several major awards at national and international expositions. The company also participated in the 1900 Paris World Fair, where it displayed two gigantic candelabrum and several other large display pieces. One of the most significant achievements by Baccarat was the invention of colored crystal in 1839. The company was the first to make multiple shades of glass, such as celeste blue, agatha green, and gold ruby red. The innovation allowed Baccarat to compete with Bohemia, which had previously been considered the top glassmaker. In addition to the color, Baccarat’s artists have perfected the art of etching. It can take a craftsman up to 15 years to master the technique and tap into its infinite possibilities for sculpting crystal. Its etching methods range from freehand cutting to brush applied raised relief gilding. Baccarat’s renowned craftsmanship has made the brand one of the world’s leading luxury brands. Baccarat is known for its magnificent lead crystal glass and opaline wares, 19th century colored crystal glass, and superb paperweights that surpass those of Bohemia or Venice. Its lead crystal glass also features wonderful millefiori canes, which are embedded in the glass. Main