Baccarat Crystal

It all started with the closing of the Rozieres saltworks that resulted in the town of Baccarat having a large quantity of excess driftwood. Monseigneur de Mont Morency-Laval, the bishop of Metz and one of the owners of the Vosges forest that produced the driftwood, decided to start a fire pit for glassworks. Bohemian crystal was very popular and exported all over Europe at the time and the Monseigneur thought it good that France should produce its own. After King Louis XV gave permission, the Baccarat glassworks started producing window panes, mirrors and stemware. In 1816 the first crystal oven went into operation and Baccarat had perfected its secret crystal making formula.

Their first Royal commission came from King Louis XVIII in 1823 and this started their growing popularity with Royals and Heads of State the world over. Baccarat benefited greatly from a strong international growth in the luxury market. In 1855 Baccarat won its first gold medal at the World’s Fair in Paris and in 1860 they registered their trademark on all their products. After the fall of Napoleon III many outside influences began to have a stronger influence in Baccarat’s work.

They made the world’s largest chandelier and crystal balustrades for the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, a private collection of decorative pieces and tableware for the Queen of Portugal, custom furniture for the Maharajahs of India, the majestic “Tsar’s” candelabra for Nicholas II, refined creations for the Japanese Imperial Court as well as the Juvisy service for the ceremonial tables at the Élysée Palace, amongst many others.
For the past 260 years Baccarat has crystallised its reputation as one of the foremost crystal makers in the world and to this day remain a favourite amongst the rich and famous!

At Ghorbany Benmore we have exquisite Baccarat stemware, decanters and lamps in stock from the 1800s to the 1900s.