Inspiration transforms your elegant home into a magical place
where the heart expresses the mind. This transformation is brought about, every
so often, when you add a new element to your home - a set of fine dinnerware -
sparkling candelabra -- special pieces of art that blend function with
creativity.
Time-honored techniques, developed throughout centuries of practice allow
innovators to fashion extraordinary items for your home. In 1900, for instance,
craftsmen at Daum rediscovered an ancient glassmaking technique dating back to
5000 BC. This technique is used to make artworks of "paté de verre", prized
alike by ancient pharaohs, contemporary collectors, and famous artists. The paté
de verre is fashioned as fragments of crystal are melted within a unique mould
that is hand-made for each piece. Magnificent sets of dinner services are
created in this way, as well as individual articles such as vases and limited
edition sculptures.
It takes at least 10 days for paté de verre to form in the mould and many more
days before and after moulding, to design, polish, buff and burnish each and
every piece. This exacting craftsmanship is the hallmark of all the items
offered at Galleria and its sister shops.
Contemporary crystal and silverware are styled in the traditional ways of the
great masters, Lalique, Baccarat, and Christofle, after whom they are named.
Lalique and his son invented a range of hand-finishing techniques using color
washes and sand-blasting which are applied to pressed-glass and crystal today.
Special designs such as the "Bambous swirl" of Baccarat created in the 1800's
still feature in luxury crystal products, including perfume bottles, decorative
toilet accessories, lighting fixtures, bowls and vases. Amazing pieces of Art
Nouveau continue to be inspired by the works of designers such as Dunand who
practiced during the 1800's with the encouragement of the goldsmith Christofle.
Extra special items may also be handcrafted today according to the design of
current artists or to your own specifications -- stemware matched to
chandeliers, jewelry, or to fine porcelain from Bernardaud -- available as you
wish. Imagine clear crystal goblets warmed by the sheen of gold. Enhance your
table in the company of the finest quality dinnerware. Luxury dinnerware from DI
and Galleria Crystal Boutiques decorated with 20 to 24 carat gold or the richest
platinum is especially adapted for use on porcelaine - the ultimate in beauty,
durability and practicality.
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