Cristallerie Klein

The History of Crystal Christmas Balls

December 5, 2022

For Christmas, Artisan du Cristal Klein is highlighting a decoration dating from the 16th century.

Christmas baubles are the stars of decorations , each one more original and sparkling than the last, but do you know the true story of crystal Christmas baubles?

The History of Klein Crystal Artisan Crystal Christmas Balls

The first glass Christmas balls

The first blown glass Christmas balls appeared in Germany, these balls were initially coated with silver nitrate or mercury for shine. It was only at the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of gas in factories, that these balls began to be mass-produced.

Little reminder of the arrival of the Christmas ball in France

During the Christmas holidays, the fir trees were decorated with apples and other fruits of all kinds. In 1858, a great drought deprived the Northern Vosges and Moselle of fruits and vegetables, there were no more decorations for the fir trees. A glass craftsman from Goetzenbruck in Moselle was the first in France to make glass balls.

After the factory closed, the production of artisanal Christmas baubles disappeared for several years, giving way to mass production.

It is only since 1992, with the creation of the International Glass Art Centre in the former Meisenthal glassworks, that the artisanal production of Christmas baubles has been relaunched in order to ensure the training and transmission of know-how in blowing noble materials such as crystal.

For the winter solstice, the pagan rite wanted the tree (symbol of life) to be decorated with fruits, flowers and wheat.

The origin of the Christmas tree

The first mentions of a Christmas tree find their roots in Alsace in 1521.

Between 2000 and 1200 BC, there was already talk of a tree on the day of December 24, since this day was considered the rebirth of the sun according to the Celtic calendar based on lunar cycles.

Give Crystal for Christmas

This year, we are doing everything we can to ensure that your gifts are delivered in time for New Year's Eve. From December 8, 2022 until December 31, take advantage of free Chronopost 24-hour delivery.

For all your last minute little gifts , a surprise guest, a gift supplement... You will find in our catalog a wide choice of gift ideas starting from €39. A wide choice of jewelry , decorative objects , glassware ...