A bit of history: the creation of crystal

The history of crystal dates back to the 17th century, when the Industrial Revolution and economic constraints had an unexpected impact on the art of glassmaking. When the British Admiralty banned the use of wood as fuel, glassmakers had to turn to a new source of energy: coal. Although more practical, coal posed a major problem because it gave off a thick soot, giving the glass an unattractive grayish tint.

Then an English master glassmaker, George Ravenscroft, had a revolutionary idea. In 1674, he decided to add lead oxide to the glass mixture, a process that was then unprecedented. What at first seemed like a simple attempt to improve fusion, turned out to be a major discovery. Not only did lead oxide facilitate the fusion of glass, but it also gave the material an extraordinary transparency and a crystalline sound that had never been observed before. This was the birth of crystal, a material that was at once clear, sonorous, and dazzlingly pure.

In the 18th century, this innovation paved the way for the emergence of the great crystal houses that would mark the history of this art. Among them were prestigious names such as the Cristallerie de Saint-Louis, Lalique, and of course, the famous Cristallerie Royale de Baccarat. These houses quickly became synonymous with excellence, imposing unique know-how and unmatched standards in the manufacture of crystal objects. Their creations, true works of art, were made by skilled craftsmen who were often referred to as “artisan artists”. Each piece was meticulously blown, cut and polished by hand, respecting the traditions that were passed down from generation to generation.

These crystal houses, symbols of the French high-end, are still today flagships of luxury craftsmanship. They continue to embody this perpetual quest for elegance and perfection, with pieces that make collectors and art lovers around the world dream.

For me, these great names have always been sources of inspiration. Their know-how, their quest for excellence, and their ability to elevate crystal to the rank of major art have fueled my own passion. But we will come back to that later…