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Identifying Real Baccarat Crystal Items

By Janet Burns


Baccarat was founded in France in 1764, and they started with window panes, mirrors and stemware. They starting using a crystal oven in 1816 and since then every baccarat crystal item created is of great value. They started with 3000 workers and in time even opened two museums, one in Meurthe-et-Moselle and one in Paris.

In 1993 the company began making jewelry and expanded into the perfume business in 1997. In 2010 Baccarat already had stores in more than 10 locations. Starting 2012, they also opened a luxury hotel chain which features their crystal chandeliers. Given their popularity and quality, each item is quite expensive and if you want to purchase one it is important to know that you are getting the real thing.

Let's see some of the methods that can be used to determine if the crystal item you are after is an original piece. For example, paperweights are usually market with the letter B and when it was created, just the year. If you piece is from 1849 and onward, only the number will be present and they would be of different colors, depending on the year or model.

Perfume bottles created starting with 1920 will have a logo on them and images of a wine glass, a goblet and a carafe, along with the company's name printed in a circle. Various other glass pieces, such as vases, decanters, candy dishes, etc, which were made starting 1936 also have the images and the name in capital letters. Pieces created more recently only have the name of the company and not the images anymore.

More recent pieces only have the word "Baccarat" on them and not the entire logo. Sometimes they have the letter B on them. Sometimes they are branded with a sticker, which is often rectangular or quadrilateral, featuring their logo. The rectangular stickers are usually white, with a red ridge or solid red with gold text on them. Quadrilateral ones are gold and have a black ridge, with the company's name in the middle.

If you see a piece that you want but it is unmarked, it is a bit more difficult to check if it is original. Check out the websites and catalogs from various collectors and get yourself familiar with the styles throughout the years. For instance, in the '20s as well as the '50s, cube shapes were popular, while in the 1960s the Venetian glass was in style.

The designers that worked for them also had different styles, and you can check them to figure out where you piece fits. It may be a bit tricky though. Another way would be to weigh it, as the crystal is way heavier than any fake item.

You can anytime contact a representative or a store near you if you are still unsure and want a professional opinion. They will help you with any questions or issues you may have regarding the crystal items that you desire. It is important to be sure you have the right thing, especially knowing how valuable these are and how precious.




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