Baccarat reflects more than 250 years of History. Looking back over its past is like embarking on a round-the-world journey through time, across over two centuries of political, cultural and economic life, from the dawn of the industrial age in the 19th century to the advent of globalisation in the 21st century. As a pioneer in its eld, Baccarat has always encapsulated current trends in creating the classics of tomorrow.
The order book of the most prestigious requests reads like an encyclopaedia of History. In France, Baccarat received its first royal commission in 1823 when Louis XVIII ordered a glass service to be produced specially for him. Charles X, Louis-Philippe, Napoleon III and a host of Presidents and Heads of State would soon follow suit. The Juvisy service, engraved with the monogram RF for République Française, has adorned state banquets at the Elysée Palace since 1899. Baccarat soon earned a solid international reputation: from the furniture pieces produced for Indian maharajahs, to the majestic Tsar chandelier created for Nicholas II, from the exquisite commissions for the Japanese imperial court, to the sheer purity of the water glasses engraved with the initials of the American President F.D. Roosevelt, Baccarat crystal has cast its lustre all over the world as the embodiment of the most precious symbol of French Art de Vivre.
Exceptional Craftmanship
To transform matter into an object of desire is the mission of the skilled artisans of Baccarat. For over 250 years, crystal blowers, cutters, engravers and gilders have been honing their talent to attain sheer perfection. Through the breath, the sharp eye and the skilled hand of man, matter surrenders all its secrets.
The movements and gestures are ancestral, but the know-how of this elite body of artisans evolves with the times. The rst crystal manufactory to produce chandelier elements (1827) and colour pieces (1839), Baccarat ingenious craftsmanship has always stood at the leading edge of innovation.
Unique and timeless know-how which, from freehand cutting to brush applied raised relief gilding, translates tradition into creation. From man’s hand collecting crystal at the end of a stick to the development of the Maison celebrated golden red, Baccarat combines mastery and creativity.
A living memory handed down from generation to generation and perpetuated by an in-house training school.
It takes a long apprenticeship for the miracle to nally emerge: fteen years for a crystal craftsman to master the movements, to harness the matter, to tap the in nite sculptural possibilities of crystal.
Through this artisanal calling, Baccarat today boasts 18 «Meilleurs Ouvriers de France», (best craftsmen in France), more than any other French luxury brand. It is the noblest of honours demanding the nest quality standards and the highest professional quali cation. Recognized worldwide, the title is awarded to an elite of artisans capable of shaping exceptional works of art. The ultimate one-on-one between man and matter to reach perfection. 
From gold-medal winning pieces at the Universal Exhibitions to contemporary designs, the know-how of Baccarat represents an unparalleled heritage. An un appable myth, synonymous with the unique. Each timeless masterpiece takes us on an emotional journey between light and excellence, an invitation to discover the legend of crystal.
