Baccarat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baccarat?

Baccarat is a French crystal maison founded in 1764 by royal decree of King Louis XV, in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region of northeastern France. For more than 260 years, the Manufacture has supplied crystal to royal courts, heads of state, and discerning collectors worldwide, establishing itself as one of the most prestigious names in luxury crystal. Today the Manufacture counts 50 different skillsets directly linked to the creation of crystal and more than a dozen Meilleurs Ouvriers de France — the largest number among all French luxury houses. Kneen & Co is an authorized Baccarat retailer, carrying a curated selection of the Maison’s tableware, barware, decorative objects, and gift sets.

What is the history behind the Baccarat Manufacture?

Baccarat was awarded the gold medal at the 1823 Exhibition of French Industry Products, in recognition of the exceptional purity of its crystal. In 1827, it became the first crystal Manufacture in France to present chandelier elements. Throughout the 19th century, the Maison received commissions from Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Shah of Persia, and the royal courts of France, cementing its position as the standard-bearer of French crystal. In 1843, Baccarat developed its legendary golden red — a hue achieved by gradually fusing clear crystal with 24-carat gold at a precise temperature of 540°C. That spirit of technical ambition, paired with uncompromising craftsmanship, defines the Maison to this day.

Where is Baccarat crystal made?

Every piece of Baccarat crystal is made at the Manufacture in the town of Baccarat, France — a facility spanning over 12 hectares, nestled in the heart of the Vosges forest, where centuries-old traditions meet technical innovation. It is the Manufacture’s only production site in the world, and it has operated continuously since the 18th century.

How is Baccarat crystal made?

Making a Baccarat crystal piece takes patience, precision, expertise, and a whole team of people. The process begins with melting the components at more than 1,450 degrees Celsius. From there, the molten crystal is gathered by hand on a blowing stick, turned continuously to achieve balance, then expanded through blowing or worked upon in a mold. The tools have not changed over the centuries and remain rudimentary — a wooden paddle, a compass to verify measurements, and a simple pair of scissors to cut the glass. The expertise stands entirely with the craftsman. Once cooled, each piece enters the cold process: cutting, engraving, and polishing to achieve Baccarat’s signature clarity and brilliance. More than 30 hands, each with at least 15 years of experience, participate in the making of the Maison’s most exceptional pieces.

What are Baccarat's most iconic collections?

Several Baccarat collections have achieved enduring recognition across tableware, barware, and decorative objects.

The Harcourt glass, first designed in 1841 for King Louis-Philippe of France, is among the most recognized crystal designs in the world. Its hexagonal base, precisely angled cuts, and architectural silhouette have made it a standard of formal dining for nearly two centuries. The collection has since expanded to include champagne flutes, decanters, tumblers, and candleholders.

The Mille Nuits collection draws its inspiration from the tales of the Arabian Nights, with curved, etched forms that evoke a sense of warmth and enchantment. It is one of Baccarat’s most searched-for collections globally and is available in champagne flutes, tumblers, carafes, and decorative objects.

The Massena collection is among the Maison’s best-selling stemware ranges, distinguished by its classic proportions and intricate relief pattern. The Harmonie collection offers a more contemporary expression — clean forms in clear and colored crystal that refract light with particular intensity. Both are well-suited to everyday luxury as well as formal entertaining.

What tableware and barware categories does Kneen & Co carry from Baccarat?

Kneen & Co carries Baccarat across four categories: tableware, barware, decorative objects, and gift sets. Within tableware and barware, this includes stemware, champagne flutes, tumblers, and decanters spanning the Maison’s core collections. Decorative objects include crystal sculptures and vases. Gift sets offer an accessible entry point for gifting occasions and make an exceptional presentation in Baccarat’s signature packaging.

Is Baccarat crystal suitable for everyday use?

Baccarat’s barware and tableware collections are designed to be used and enjoyed. The Harmonie, Massena, and Mille Nuits collections, in particular, translate well from everyday use to formal table settings. As with all fine crystal, hand washing is recommended, along with avoiding sudden temperature changes and storing pieces where they will not contact one another. For decorative objects and sculptures, standard handling care for fine crystal applies.

What makes Baccarat crystal different from other fine crystal?

Several qualities distinguish Baccarat from other crystal producers. The Manufacture has operated continuously on a single site for over 260 years, with techniques and knowledge transmitted across generations by some of France’s most decorated artisans. Baccarat’s crystal formula produces exceptional clarity and brilliance, and the Maison’s mastery of color — including its storied golden red achieved with 24-carat gold — remains unmatched. The breadth of the Maison’s design history, which spans royal commissions, World’s Fair exhibitions, and collaborations with designers including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, gives even its most accessible pieces a cultural depth that is rare in luxury crystal.

Is Baccarat an appropriate choice for gifting?

Baccarat is one of the most universally recognized names in luxury gifting. The Maison’s pieces arrive in distinctive Baccarat packaging and carry a level of heritage and recognition that makes them meaningful across a wide range of occasions — from weddings and anniversaries to significant milestones and corporate gifting. Kneen & Co’s team is available to assist with selection in store and online, and gift sets from the Harcourt and Mille Nuits collections are particularly well-suited for clients seeking a refined, immediately presentable gift.

How can I authenticate a Baccarat piece?

Since 1936, Baccarat’s signature has been applied systematically to every product. Authentic pieces carry an engraved or acid-etched “Baccarat France” mark on the base. All pieces available through Kneen & Co are sourced directly from Baccarat as an authorized retailer, ensuring full authenticity.

Does Baccarat collaborate with contemporary designers?

Yes. Baccarat has a long tradition of collaborating with leading designers to produce collections that sit at the intersection of heritage craft and contemporary vision. Past and current collaborators include Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, and Thomas Bastide, among others. These collaborations consistently reinterpret the Maison’s crystal vocabulary through a modern lens while remaining rooted in the technical standards of the Manufacture. Contact our team for information on current designer collections available through Kneen & Co.