If you’ve explored our website, you’ll know that we’re crystal enthusiasts. There are many great brands out there, but if forced to name our top four, they’d be Baccarat, Waterford, Lalique, and Swarovski. Of those four Baccarat is the oldest company. Founded in 1765 in the town of Baccarat France by the Bishop of Metz, Louis de Montmorency-Laval, Baccarat has been designing unique crystal art for over 250 years. 

Since it’s founding in 1765, the Baccarat company has changed owners more times than I can count. (You can read a more detailed history here.) However, some underlying company values have remained regardless of who owned the company. Baccarat has always been committed to exceptional quality. Their website states it takes their glassworkers 15 years to master all the skills needed to produce Baccarat’s Crystals. 

Baccarat has also never stopped exploring new product lines and trends. From glass furniture, to colored glass, to intricate glassmaking techniques the company is constantly on the cutting edge. Finally, the company has remained committed to their employees. They’ve built a reputation as a caring employer, they continue to manufacture their products in Baccarat France. Even now, it’s a small town of just 4,000 people, many of whom are skilled glassworkers at Baccarat. 

In the beginning, Baccarat only produced mirrors and windowpanes. By the 1800’s they’d added stemware to their product line and in the 1830’s they differentiated their products by adding coloring to their glass. You can check out some of their current colored designs here. The addition of color to their glass has been so popular, that their now known for the distinctive red crystal pearl in many of their designs.

Baccarat experienced early success with its Harcourt designed stemware. It launched in 1841 and is still available on the Baccarat Website. While the original Baccarat pieces were not marked, Baccarat began engraving and stamping the bottom of it’s pieces in 1860. By that time, they’d expanded their product line to include chandeliers and additional tableware. Today, Baccarat’s product lines include stemware, decanters, table accessories, vases, perfume bottles, animal sculptures, candleholders, chandeliers, lamps and more. 

1823 – Baccarat received its first Royal commission from Louis XVIII. Their work was exceptional, and it sparked numerous additional commissions for royalty and heads of state.

1855 – Baccarat participated for the first time in the Worlds Fair. They received their first (of many) gold medals at the Paris Worlds Fair.

1867 – Baccarat again shows at the World’s Fair in Paris, this time winning the highest award, the Grand Prix.

1907 – Baccarat’s perfume bottles are so popular, they’re producing 4,000 bottles per day.

1948 – Baccarat introduced themselves to the American market by opening a store in New York City.

1964 – The Louvre in Paris showcased their work in celebration of Baccarat’s 200^th Anniversary. 

With over 250 years of innovation and elegant product designs, Baccarat is one of the world’s oldest crystal companies. I personally love their Animal figurines with simple sleek designs, I find beauty in their simplicity. If you’re on the hunt for something a bit different than Baccarat, consider our Swarovski Collection. Thanks for diving into Baccarat’s rich history with me!!

Until next week,