Baccarat Inkwells

French

One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.

Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production.

In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking glasses. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In the ensuing years, an estimated one-third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.

Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, as it had finally become known, elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights.

The designer Georges Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on these pages, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.

Find antique Baccarat decanters, vases, candle holders, chandeliers and other furnishings and objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Baccarat inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.

Baccarat inkwells are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Baccarat inkwells, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original inkwells by Baccarat were created in the Art Nouveau style in france during the 20th century. Prices for Baccarat inkwells can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $585 and can go as high as $48,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $26,000.

Questions About Baccarat Inkwells

What is Baccarat famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Founded in 1816, Baccarat is a French crystalware maker that is most well-known for its luxury lead crystal designs, including cameo-embedded paper weights and sculptures of animals and birds. You can shop a collection of authentic Baccarat crystal pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can Baccarat be repaired?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Baccarat crystal can be repaired. However, the manufacturer recommends that you only seek assistance for repairs through an authorized Baccarat boutique. You'll find a large selection of Baccarat crystal lighting, serveware and decorative objects from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
Can Baccarat crystal be repaired?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Depending on the damage to your Baccarat piece, it may be possible to repair it. One of Baccarat’s boutiques can help with repair questions and quotes. You can also shop a collection of Baccarat pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Is Baccarat crystal or glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Baccarat makes crystal, not glass. The company opened in 1764 in Baccarat, Lorraine, France, at the order of King Louis XV of France. Today, Baccarat operates out of headquarters in Paris. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Baccarat crystal ware.
Is Baccarat glass or crystal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Baccarat is a French manufacturer of fine crystal. Baccarat did originally start as a glasswork company with production primarily consisting of window panes, mirrors and stemware up until 1816. The brand then switched to crystal production, creating expertly crafted stemware, chandeliers and other pieces in a variety of design styles. Browse a collection of antique and modern Baccarat crystal decor on 1stDibs.
How can I identify Baccarat paperweights?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can identify Baccarat paperweights by looking for the maker’s mark and other identifying marks. Particularly old examples will have a “B” followed by a year of manufacture, though this practice stopped in the early 20th century. Contact the brand for more assistance. Shop a collection of Baccarat crystal on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell if a chandelier is Baccarat?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
To tell if a chandelier is Baccarat, search for the maker's mark. You'll usually find it on one of the drip pans, the curved dishes positioned beneath the candle lights. By comparing the marking on your piece to images shared on trusted online resources, you can often determine if your fixture is an authentic Baccarat. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. Explore a collection of Baccarat chandeliers on 1stDibs.
How do you identify an antique Baccarat?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify an antique Baccarat, search it for a capital "B" etched mark or a circular label that bears the Baccarat name along with a logo featuring a decanter, wine glass and cup. Vintage and contemporary pieces typically have the full Baccarat name etched onto their surfaces rather than the initial hallmark or paper label. If you can't locate a marking but are certain your piece is Baccarat, it is likely an antique that has lost its paper label. However, if you're not confident about the maker, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help you make an identification. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Baccarat crystal wares.
What is so special about Baccarat crystal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
A few things account for what is so special about Baccarat crystal. The quality and purity of the French maker's glass are exceptional. In addition, Baccarat crystal makers have a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles, from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs. The brand also has an extensive history that sets it apart. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company, from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights, became staples of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. As a result, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Find a collection of Baccarat crystal on 1stDibs.
Is Baccarat lead crystal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 20, 2024
Yes, Baccarat is lead crystal. In order for a work of glass to be deemed “lead crystal,” its chemical composition needs to contain no less than 24 percent lead oxide. Historically, crystal glassware referred to decorative tableware and drinking vessels that was made of leaded glass. Today's "lead-free crystal" is made with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide instead of lead.

One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. While glass chandeliers were quite popular lighting fixtures for palatial homes in the 19th century — and they still bring welcome drama to a space — Baccarat chandeliers were different from the rest of the world’s supply.

At the time, artisans at Baccarat added nickel oxide to their leaded glass mixture during the manufacturing process, which made for a perfectly clear rock crystal imitation. Owing to distinct and innovative processes like these, which yielded strikingly clear pieces of glass, Baccarat chandeliers and pendants — as well as the company’s decorative objects, serveware and other glass pieces — were soon prized as symbols of wealth all over the world.

Find antique and vintage Baccarat lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Is Baccarat jewelry worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, many jewelry lovers believe that Baccarat jewelry is worth it. One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Baccarat’s artisans combine the maker's renowned crystal with silver and gold-plated metals to produce elegant earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Baccarat jewelry is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a collection of Baccarat jewelry on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a crystal is Baccarat?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
To tell if a crystal is Baccarat, look for the maker's mark. Beginning in 1930, the luxury maker began engraving its pieces with a marking. The mark will either show the Baccarat brand name by itself or feature the logo and the brand name. Older crystal was usually marked with a paper label, which may have come off over the years. If you don't find an engraved hallmark, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a variety of Baccarat crystal wares on 1stDibs.
How can I spot an authentic Baccarat chandelier?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can spot an authentic Baccarat chandelier by locating the white engraved mark, which is usually found in the raised molded capitals on the drip pan. You can shop a collection of properly vetted Baccarat chandeliers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Is Baccarat crystal still made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Baccarat crystal is indeed still made. You can pop onto Baccarat’s website to see its latest collection of fine crystal tableware. Or shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Baccarat crystalware from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I spot real Baccarat glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few tricks to authenticating your Baccarat glass. First and foremost, look for the logo, which will include the company name. Also, Baccarat is famous for certain patterns. See if your glass has one of these patterns. Shop a collection of authentic Baccarat glass from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.