5 Iconic Baccarat Crystal Pieces — and the Stories Behind Them
Baccarat has been creating luminous works of art in crystal since 1764, earning a reputation for excellence that blends French heritage, artisanal mastery, and contemporary relevance. While the brand's entire catalogue is a celebration of light and elegance, some pieces stand out for their history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Here are five of Baccarat’s most iconic crystal creations available today — each with its own unique story to tell.
1. Harcourt Glass (1841)
A Royal Favourite with a Revolutionary Past
The Harcourt 1841 glass, Baccarat’s most iconic creation, is celebrated for its architectural form and rich legacy—favored by royalty and statesmen since Napoleon III.
The Harcourt glass is Baccarat’s oldest and most emblematic design. Created in 1841 and named after the distinguished Harcourt family of France, the glass is known for its hexagonal foot and sharply faceted bowl — an iconic silhouette that exudes authority and balance.
Legend has it that Napoleon III was so taken by the Harcourt glass that he made it the official service of the French imperial court. Since then, it has appeared on the tables of the Vatican, the Élysée Palace, and even in Hollywood films like Marie Antoinette and Midnight in Paris. Each Harcourt piece is still mouth-blown, cut, and polished by hand in the same traditional techniques used in the 19th century.
2. Zenith Chandelier
The Light That Has Lit Palaces, Mosques, and Modern Design Dreams
The Zénith Chandelier Short (64L) is a dazzling display of sculptural splendor, adorned with chiseled prisms, sparkling pendants, and Baccarat’s iconic red crystal.
The Zenith chandelier is Baccarat's crowning jewel in lighting design — a dramatic fusion of form, precision, and theatrical sparkle. Composed of hundreds of hand-cut prisms and crystal drops, it transforms any space into a palace of light.
Perhaps the most iconic Zenith chandelier hangs in Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace — an imperial gift from Queen Victoria weighing 4.5 tons and containing 750 lights. More recently, Baccarat created a striking all-red Zenith chandelier for the Grand Salon in the Baccarat Hotel New York — a bold, modern homage to their traditional crystal infused with 24 karat gold. It casts not just light, but a legacy.
3. Harmonie Tumblers
Minimalist Icons That Became a Symbol of Sophisticated Everyday Living
The Harmonie Tumblers come in a set of 2, featuring vertical cuts in clear crystal, offering a refined texture perfect for sipping spirits or mixed drinks.
The Harmonie collection is beloved for its sleek vertical cuts and balanced form, offering refined luxury in a tumbler that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
These tumblers have become the go-to glassware for luxury homes, five-star hotels, and private jets. Beyoncé was once photographed sipping champagne from a Harmonie glass during a behind-the-scenes tour, and they've appeared in fashion shoots and designer bars from Tokyo to New York. Their subtle elegance reflects Baccarat’s mastery of restraint — a reminder that true luxury lies in the details.
4. Baccarat x Bearbrick Crystal Figurine
Where Street Culture Meets Savoir-Faire
This unexpected collaboration between Baccarat and Japanese streetwear icon Medicom Toy brought the Bearbrick figurine — a cult symbol of contemporary pop culture — into the world of fine crystal. Available in clear and black crystal, it merges two very different worlds: playful design and high craftsmanship.
When launched in 2021, the Baccarat Bearbrick sold out almost instantly and was later featured in Sotheby’s "Contemporary Curated" auction series. Art and fashion insiders praised it as a statement on the convergence of street art and luxury, and it is now one of the most sought-after Baccarat pieces among millennial collectors.
5. Massena Stemware
A Symphony of Cuts That Reflect a Gatsby-Style Glamour
The champagne flute, one component of the Massena bar and tableware collection, which encompasses wine glasses, highball glasses, tumblers, and a decanter.
Massena is one of Baccarat’s most ornate stemware patterns. It’s recognised by its iconic deep vertical cuts that fan out from the base like sun rays — creating a kaleidoscope effect with every pour.
Inspired by the opulence of the Belle Époque and the golden age of grand entertaining, Massena glasses were once used at state dinners in the Élysée Palace. Today, they’re chosen by collectors who want every sip to feel like an occasion. Their shimmering cuts were recently seen in a Vogue editorial featuring holiday entertaining tips from luxury tastemakers.
Final Sparkle
Each of these Baccarat pieces is more than just crystal — it’s a story, a slice of cultural history, and a reflection of the brand’s genius for timeless design. Whether illuminating a ballroom or adding elegance to a simple toast, these creations remind us why Baccarat continues to lead luxury lifestyle after more than 260 years.