Mille Nuits 12 Lights crystal Chandelier, design Mathias, edited by Baccarat

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.

Reda Amalou is a french architect and designer. But mostly a creator of experiences. More than 20 years ago, he created AW2 an architecture agency with the desire to take over the space and make it an emotional place. It is with the same evidence that design became a part of his work. Instead of partitioning disciplines, Reda Amalou associates them. It is about creating an impact, stirring the spirit by talking to the eye, making senses move around. In 2013, the opening of his own company REDA AMALOU DESIGN officially opened his field of work by offering furniture and objects. Each one of his creations are telling a story. Either it is about his childhood in Algeria, London’s chaos he experimented during his studies, or the tumult of his many trips around the globe, Reda Amalou is always on the look for a new discovery. He collects sparkles of stupefaction that will shine through his work. Pieces of life, tributes to craftsmanship and multiculturalism, are making their way to interiors with an incredible flow and ease. His collections are built around material. Leather, bronze, glass, wood, eggshell, lacquer, and so on, each variation communicate with elegance. The pieces are magnificent, but their balance makes them more personal, more informal. Beyond the main collection, some exceptional pieces are made by craftsman specialized in Art. They are gathered in the Galerie Collection in limited edition 8 pieces for each one of them which are signed and four artists drafts.