Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint-Louis?
Saint-Louis was established in 1586, making it the oldest crystal manufacturer in Europe—a distinction that places it at the very origins of the glassblowing tradition on the continent.
What makes Saint-Louis Europe's most historic crystal house?
Saint-Louis is Europe’s most historic crystal house, granted the title of Royal Cristallerie in 1781, and has for centuries supplied the courts and great houses of Europe with leaded crystal of incomparable brilliance, weight, and refinement. Available through Kneen & Co, Saint-Louis represents an unbroken legacy of handcraft and the highest expression of the glassmaker’s art.
What is leaded crystal?
Leaded crystal is made by incorporating lead oxide into the glass composition, which produces a material of exceptional refractive quality, brilliant clarity, and satisfying weight that sets it apart from ordinary glass.
Why does Saint-Louis use leaded crystal?
Saint-Louis’s master glassblowers and cutters work exclusively with leaded crystal, exploiting its unique properties to achieve the depth of light and precision of cut that have defined the house’s work for over four centuries.
What is the Bubbles glassware collection?
The Bubbles collection is one of Saint-Louis’s most celebrated contemporary designs, featuring stacked crystal marble stems and forms delicately dotted with captured air bubbles. The collection includes the Bubbles American Water Glass No. 1, which pairs perfectly with the broader Bubbles barware series.
What is the Tommy glassware collection?
The Saint-Louis Tommy collection is a hand-cut crystal glassware series first crafted in 1928, making it one of the maison’s most storied and enduring designs. Tommy is distinguished by its star-shaped base and a combination of diamond, bevel, pearl, and rim cuts that catch the light with extraordinary brilliance. The collection has graced some of the world’s most refined interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Available in an array of bold colors, Tommy spans tableware, decorative objects, and lighting — designed to bring the exceptional into everyday life. Kneen & Co carries the Saint-Louis Tommy collection as part of its curated selection of heritage crystal and glassware.
What other collections does Saint-Louis offer?
The Saint-Louis portfolio is vast and distinguished, encompassing the Tommyssimo vases, Oxymore, Amadeus, Cadence Gold Rim, and the Patrimoine collection, each reflecting a different facet of the house’s extraordinary design heritage.
Are Saint-Louis pieces appropriate as gifts?
Saint-Louis crystal carries with it the full weight of nearly five centuries of royal patronage and artistic achievement, making it among the most distinguished gifts one can give or receive.
Are Saint-Louis pieces appropriate as heirloom investments?
Yes. Saint-Louis pieces are designed to be treasured across generations, as their rarity and heritage ensure they only appreciate in meaning over time, making them a wise heirloom investment.
What is the lead time for Saint-Louis special orders through Kneen & Co?
Special order Saint-Louis pieces carry a lead time of 36 or more weeks, a reflection of the intensive handcraft and careful production processes that define every item the house produces. Clients are encouraged to plan ahead, and the Kneen & Co concierge team is available to assist with timing and selection.
As an authorized dealer, we’ve thoughtfully curated this selection to showcase signature pieces from the brand. Our partnership grants us access to their complete collection. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our team for information on additional products and availability.