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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $2,199 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Mid-20th Century French Baccarat
Crystal
20th Century French Empire Baccarat
Crystal, Bronze
1970s French Neoclassical Vintage Baccarat
Crystal
20th Century Baccarat
Crystal
Late 20th Century French Modern Baccarat
Crystal
1980s French Art Nouveau Vintage Baccarat
Crystal
Early 2000s French Baccarat
Crystal
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Baccarat
Art Glass
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Baccarat furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- Can Baccarat be repaired?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- What is Baccarat famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Founded 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024A 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 20, 2024Yes, 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 crystal or glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Baccarat 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Baccarat 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Depending 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You 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.
- Is Baccarat crystal still made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You 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.