An Introduction to Baccarat Crystal

Baccarat Crystal is one of the most prestigious and recognised brands in the world and known for their beautiful designs and high-quality products. The company was founded in the small town ofBaccarat, France when in 1764, King Louis XV of France granted permission to open a glassworks factory in the town.

Initially the factory began producing lead crystal glassware for the royal family and other wealthy nobles. Lead crystal is known for its clarity and brilliance, and it quickly became popular among the aristocracy gaining a reputation for producing high-quality crystal.

In 1823,Baccarat was awarded a medal at the Paris Exposition des produits de l'industrie française, being the first of many awards thatBaccarat would receive over the years. Today, many Baccarat pieces are considered to be collectors' items. 

How is Baccarat Crystal Made

Baccarat Crystal is made through a unique process that combines craftsmanship and technology and has a team of skilled artisans who hand-finish each piece of crystal, ensuring that it is of the highest quality. Like most crystal,Baccarat crystal is created by adding lead oxide to a mixture containing silica, a ‘flux’ such as soda (sodium carbonate) and a ‘stabiliser’ such as lime (calcium oxide).

Once the raw ingredients are combined, special furnaces are heated up to a temperature of 1,500 degrees celsius where the glass is formed prior to the molten glass being removed from the furnace and blown or pulled into a shape with the use of a specialised mould. Once shaped, formed and cooled, the finished crystal is often gilded with a powder such as gold that adds an extra touch of class before being engraved.

Baccarat Crystal is known for their high-quality standards, and each piece is inspected multiple times during the manufacturing process to ensure that it meets these standards.

The process of makingBaccarat glassware is very similar to the process of making crystal, with the main difference being that the mixture is heated to a lower temperature, and less lead oxide is used. The result is a lighter, more translucent form of glassware.

Our Favourite Baccarat Products

AtPalmer & Penn we are proud to offer a wide selection ofBaccarat Crystal products andBaccarat glassware and are the exclusive retailer ofBaccarat Crystal in Australia. Some of our favourite products & best sellers are;

Eye Vase

AtPalmer & Penn we believe theBaccarat Eye Vase is a stunning piece to showcase your floral arrangement, however it is equally impressive displayed on its own. With its wavy design of crystal coming from an extraordinary technique: exterior horizontal cuts and interior vertical cuts combined to produce a magic visual effect.

The Baccarat Eye Vase is offered in bothrectangular andoval designs and a range of sizes & colours to suit your interior.  small, medium and large sizes in a number of colours including; clear, red, black and blue.

Vega Flutissimo 

For a sleek and modern look emphasised by a remarkably stunning shape, theBaccarat Crystal Vega Flutissimo makes your champagne moments all that more special.

Lighting

In addition to being recognised for their exquisitely made glassware,Baccarat is also famous for its beautifully designed range of crystal lighting fixtures, some of which are prominently displayed in some of the world's most prestigious hotels, including the Ritz Carlton & Plaza Athénée in Paris, and the Four Seasons in New York City.

Give your home a prestigious touch with theBaccarat Torch Wall Sconce inspired by the emblematic Zénith chandelier. The combination of crystal and metal will add a touch of modernity and luxury.

Gift Sets

If you’re looking for a luxury gift for your friends or loved ones, theBaccarat 4 Elements Set is the perfect choice. Containing four tumblers; the Perfection, Montaigne, Nancy and Harmony designs which are inspired by 4 different cocktails served exclusively at the Baccarat Hotel in New York City.