The Enduring Art of San Luis Crystal: A Journey Through Time

🔥San Luis Crystal is one of the oldest crystal factories in France, with a history spanning more than 500 years.

💎Crystal is made from a mix of sand, limestone, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and lead, which gives it clarity and strength.

🌬️Artisans at San Luis Crystal use ancient glassblowing techniques, such as blowing into molds and shaping molten glass by hand.

🔦San Luis Crystal is famous for its exquisite chandeliers, which can take up to three months to complete and cost over $40,000.

🖐️Every piece at San Luis Crystal goes through a rigorous hands-on quality inspection to ensure perfection and eliminate defects.

How long does it take to make a piece of San Luis Crystal?

—The time required to create a piece of San Luis Crystal varies depending on its complexity. It can take as little as two minutes for smaller pieces and up to three months for intricate chandeliers.

What makes crystal different from regular glass?

—Crystal is made with the addition of lead, which gives it clarity, strength, and the ability to be easily carved. It is also more refractive, allowing it to sparkle when light passes through.

Where is San Luis Crystal sold?

—San Luis Crystal is sold worldwide. Its customers include hotels, cultural institutions, restaurants, and private collectors.

Is lead contamination a concern with crystalware?

—While lead contamination from crystalware is extremely rare, it is recommended not to store alcoholic beverages in crystal decanters for extended periods of time to avoid any potential lead leakage.

How has San Luis Crystal adapted to changing market trends?

—San Luis Crystal has found success in niche markets, such as paperweights, and has expanded its range to include smaller lighting fixtures like sconces and lamps.

00:01San Luis Crystal is a 500-year-old factory in France that continues to produce exquisite crystal pieces.

01:23The ingredients used to make crystal include sand, limestone, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and lead.

03:35Artisans at San Luis Crystal use ancient glassblowing techniques to shape molten glass into intricate pieces.

06:47San Luis Crystal is famous for its exquisite chandeliers, which can take up to three months to complete.

09:36Every piece at San Luis Crystal goes through a rigorous hands-on quality inspection to ensure perfection and eliminate defects.