Lalique is a name synonymous with luxury glassware, with a legacy spanning over a century. The brand is known for it’s intricate and awe-inspiring designs, celebrated the world over for their beauty and craftsmanship. However, not all Lalique pieces are created equal. There’s a distinct difference between a piece of Lalique and an R Lalique piece, and it lies in the signature. While every piece of Lalique glassware is signed with the company trademark, the presence of an 'R' before the signature indicates that it was made by the company's founder, Rene Lalique. These pieces are considered to be more valuable and sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. Understanding the difference between Lalique and R Lalique is essential for anyone interested in collecting or investing in these exquisite pieces of art.
What Is the Mark for Lalique?
The mark for Lalique is an iconic symbol of quality and craftsmanship in the world of luxury glass and crystal. For more than a century, the Lalique family has been renowned for producing exquisite pieces of art using their unique, distinctive style. The mark is a stamp of authenticity, a guarantee of the quality and tradition behind every Lalique piece.
The history of Lalique dates back to the early 1900s, when founder Rene Lalique first made a name for himself as a master glassmaker. His signature style was characterized by the use of intricate designs and patterns, often inspired by the natural world. After Rene Laliques death in 1945, his son Marc took over the business and continued to uphold his fathers legacy of luxury and artistic expression.
In 1977, Rene Laliques granddaughter Marie-Claude Lalique took over the business, marking the third generation of Lalique family ownership. It was under Marie-Claudes guidance that the company expanded it’s product lines, branching out into jewelry, fragrances, and home decor. Despite this expansion, however, the mark for Lalique remained a constant, a symbol of the tradition and quality that the family has always been known for.
Since 1978, the registered trademark for Lalique has included an R with a circle around it, adding an additional layer of protection and authenticity to the brand.
Perhaps one of the most iconic examples of the Lalique mark is the famous Lalique crystal emblem that adorns the hood of the famous luxury car brand, Rolls Royce. The emblem, featuring Laliques signature winged motif, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lalique mark and it’s place in the world of luxury and design.
The Techniques and Processes Used by Lalique to Create Their Luxury Glass and Crystal Pieces
Lalique uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to create their luxury glass and crystal pieces. These include hand carving, mold making, sandblasting, and overlaying multiple layers of glass. The process involves skilled artisans and cutting-edge technology to achieve the intricate designs and high-quality finishes that Lalique is known for.
Now that we’ve established what marks and characteristics to look out for in authentic Lalique pieces, let’s dive deeper into the world of this iconic glassmaker. From it’s origins to it’s modern-day creations, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Lalique.
Does Lalique Have Seams?
Lalique is a brand known for producing some of the finest glassware and decorative objects in the world. Each Lalique piece is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and beauty. One of the questions often posed by collectors and enthusiasts is whether Lalique has seams.
The answer is that Lalique pieces should never have seams. The brand prides itself on it’s commitment to excellence, and the absence of seams is a hallmark of it’s craftsmanship.
Lalique pieces are made using a process called “lost-wax casting”. This process involves making a mold of the desired object, then casting the glass into the mold. The mold is then broken apart, leaving behind the finished object.
Because the mold is only used once, there’s no need for seams to be created in the first place.
It’s also worth noting that Lalique pieces shouldn’t have certain markings or characteristics that are often found on counterfeit items. For example, genuine Lalique pieces shouldn’t have “Made in France” or “Paris” markings on them, nor should they’ve the name “Rene” spelled out. Additionally, Lalique pieces aren’t numbered like limited editions, so any piece purporting to be numbered should be treated with skepticism.
This commitment extends to the absence of seams on it’s pieces, which further adds to their beauty and value.
Source: Guide to Lalique – Gorringe’s
Conclusion
The distinction between Lalique and R Lalique lies in the legacy left by Rene Lalique himself. The addition of the 'R' to the signature of his pieces signifies their significant value, both in terms of historical and financial significance. While all Lalique glassware is stunning and unique, collectors and enthusiasts alike understand and appreciate the difference between pieces made by Lalique himself and those made by his successors. The signature is a tangible representation of a legacy that continues to be celebrated and admired by all who’re fortunate enough to own a piece of Lalique glassware.
