What Is Lalique Glass?
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Rene Jules Lalique
Lalique Glass was created by Rene Jules Lalique, a French glass designer, who became very well known for his unique style of amazing perfume bottles, vases, chandeliers, clocks and jewelry. He was born on the 6th of April 1860, in the French village of Ay, and passed away on the 5th May 1945.
Rene Lalique spent many hours learning the methods of art and design, which he would go on to use in his later life. He moved to Paris with his family, and seeing the wonderful works of art there, began to be influenced by the various methods of glasswork.
When he was twelve years old, he entered the College Turgot, and began the art of sketching and drawing. After the death of his father, Rene became an apprentice to goldsmith Louis Aucoc, and attended evening classes at the Ecole des arts decoratifs, or the school of decorative arts. He stayed there for two years, and then spent another couple of years at the Sydenham Art College in London England.
Lalique Glass
After returning to France, he began work as a freelance artist, designing jewelry for the French jewelers. These included, Cartier, Boucheron and many others. But it was only when he opened his own business in 1885, did his business start to take off. Making his own jewelry and other glass pieces, he became well known for his Art Nouveau jewelry designs, and began creating pieces for Samuel Bings new shop in Paris. He went on to be one of the most famous glass creators in his field. His work has been described as beautiful, and his unique style is synonymous with quality.
He produced amazing work, one of them being the walls of lighted glass and colored columns which filled the dining room and grand salon of the SN Normandie. Along with the interior fittings, Cross font and screens of St. Matthews church at Millbrook, Jersey. But many people know him for his amazing Jewelry pieces, and vases that showcase plants, flowers, and many more.
Rene is best known for his outstanding vases. The masterful way that he managed to produce the colors such as amber, blue and plum, along with black and yellow, was skilfully done by meticulously adding small amounts of pigment to darken the glass. Then he added geometric designs with swirls and patterns. This I believe is what makes his work so collectable. To give it that individual shine, he polished, glazed, and frosted the glass in his own unique style.
Lalique Car Mascots
What makes him so different I believe, is the fact that he also became interested in making glass mascots for car hoods or bonnets. The glass designs were in the shape of fish, horses, frogs, and many more. In all, Lalique went on to create 29 Mascots. Some of these were Female nudes, and in all of the mascots, Lalique had devised an ingenious way of making them light up. He cleverly inserted a small light bulb within each mascot. Then he added filters, which made the colors in the glass change hues.
He then Placed these on the most stylish cars of the day such as Bentley, Hispano Suiza and Bugatti, therefore advertising to the World how wonderful, and collectable his amazing style was.
Learn about Lalique
 | Amazon Price: $121.12 List Price: $21.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $85.00 List Price: $35.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $54.00 List Price: $24.95 |
Tips For First Time Collectors
Condition is the most important factor. Watch out for chips in the glass, ground down edges, and holes from any conversions such as changing a bowl into a lamp, or removing the glass from a base. These things can really reduce the value. You will be able to tell if the chip in the glass is a modern break, as older scratches will look more worn down.
Colors are very important. All of Laliques glass pieces are greatly valued but electric blue and dark amethyst are the most sought after, and command very high prices.
Very little Lalique is fake. If it says Lalique then it nearly always is. But saying that, there has been a spate of modern Czech glass with the name Lalique in the signature. These are the ones that you have to be careful of.
When buying the car mascots, you have to be very careful they are not fake. The best way to see if it is genuine, is by looking at the bottom of the piece. Real Lalique car mascots were made with a fitting to screw straight onto the car. The fake Lalique is usually found to have a flat base.
A good way of discovering whether your Lalique Glass is genuine, is to turn the piece upside down to see how much the base has been worn down. As I said above, you cannot fake scratches, and a real piece will have tiny lines or rubbed away areas that are a sign of age. Most older Lalique pieces will have lost their labels years ago, and in fact most of them never had a label. If you see a sign of a label that has been removed recently then you can bet that it is a fake. Another good idea is to see if the object has a flat base. If it has, then it most likely is fake as the original would be slightly rounded or concave.
Check the color and density of the glass. In the 19th Century, the glass would have been treated with stains and other effects. Later, in the Art Deco period of the 1930s, the piece would have had an angular line.
Be especially careful when buying online, not just from private sales, but also auctions too.
Lalique glass prices can start from a few hundred dollars and reach sky high prices. Many have been sold for thousands of dollars.
Lalique on Ebay
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LARGE LALIQUE CRYSTAL SWAN / SALE $2,249 - RETAIL IS $7,999
Current Bid: $2249.00
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LALIQUE LANGEAIS WINE GLASS MINT CONDITION
Current Bid: $100.00
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MINT SIGNED FRENCH LALIQUE FROSTED CRYSTAL NUDE 2 DANCERS DEUX DANSEUSES 10"h
Current Bid: $999.99
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CRISTAL LALIQUE BACCHANTES VASE
Current Bid: $1850.00
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Unusual 4" Lalique Perfume Bottle - Molded R LALIQUE FRANCE
Current Bid: $153.50
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LALIQUE FROSTED CRYSTAL MAPLE LEAF SHALLOW BOWL WITH ORIGINAL BOX
Current Bid: $199.00
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Thanks for the description of Lalique. My French Mother-in-law loved this type of crystal and had several pieces which she gave to us when she passed away. I knew they were valuable, and can hear her saying "Lalique" in her very distintive accent, however, I didn't know anything else about them. Thanks!
I've never heard of Lalique glass, but it certainly looks beautiful. I especially like the car hood ornaments. Thanks for the information, Nell.
They had some Lalique pieces on "The Antiques Roadshow" a couple of weeks ago. It truly is beautiful glass.
Interesting hub Nell, the photos are really good, the Chrysis one is just gorgeous, I'd love to own something that beautiful. Voted up.
Hi, Valerie, I quite agree, and thank you so much for reading, cheers nell
Hi, Virginia, that sounds really interesting, I would love the car mascots, they are gorgeous, you are so lucky to have one of Laliques pieces, thanks for reading, cheers nell
I enjoyed learning about Lalique glass with your Hub. I have a great sea glass collection now I'll probably be re-sifting through it to see if any of it might be from a Lalique piece!
Hi, Alicia, they are lovely aren't they? I would love the car mascot glass pieces, and if you do manage to get any of the lalique pieces they sell for quite a lot of money, well worth looking for! lol! thanks as always, nell
Very lovely, Nell~ When I first read it I thought of me tongue want to licky the glass~
But in all seriousness, it is amazing what people can do and what immense talents they have....myself excluded~~
Hi, christopher, yes that's probably where I have seen it before, a long time ago they were talking about car mascots, and I spotted one on there and wanted it ever since! it was either on the antique road show or flog it! thanks as always nell
Hi, Jools they are beautiful aren't they? I love the first picture above, the lovely blue shine, thanks so much nell
Good morning
Today is a new beginning and when I go outside I see and
Hear the art of the beauty of the world.
Hi, Rebecca, you never know! its amazing how many people don't really know about Lalique glass, some of it has been bought at yard sales! good luck! thanks for reading, cheers nell
Hi, Audrey, lol! I know just what you mean! they are gorgeous, what a talented man! thanks as always, nell
Hi, Yellowrose, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
GREAT Hub Nell Rose! I am fortunate to own at least a dozen really nice Lalique pieces! Back when I had more money than sense I collected Lalique, Bacarret and Stubin! The pieces really are stunning! I still love looking at them 20+ years later! If I were to do it again I would be scouting eBay! Blessings to you and yours! Earth Angel!
Hi, Earth Angel, Wow! you lucky thing! I seem to have got really drawn to his pieces lately, especially the car mascots, I think its all the lovely colors and hues, and the idea of the mascots changing color as the car went along, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Hi Nell,
We own a few Lalique pieces and really like them. This was interesting learning about this fine crystal maker. My favorite of the ones you showed in photographs was the blue tinged jardiniere. Gorgeous! Up and interesting votes.
Hi, Peggy, I have really gotten into Lalique lately, seems that I am behind everyone else! lol! but they are seriously gorgeous, and the blue tinged jardiniere is lovely isn't it? thanks again nell
You are right Nell, the car hood ornaments are gorgeous! I did not know they changed colors as a Rolls rolled! Can you imagine driving around with such a rare and expensive collector's item on your hood today? A friend of mine collects Bentley's and he has taken all of his, glass, metal or otherwise, off! They are lovely in the china hutch, however! Have a GREAT Lalique Holiday! Earth Angel!
Hi, yes evidently he put a light inside each mascot so when the car went along, it got brighter as he speeded up! I don't blame your friend for removing them these days its not safe to leave anything out like these, shame though! thanks again, nell
Ah Lalique is magnificent. I happen to be in Paris some years ago and passed a Lalique shop. There, right as you look in the door was the most magnificent table in the center of it all. Spectacular to say the least.
Magnificent hub! Rated up.
I have always admired Lalique glass, but I never knew much about the artist until now or the fact that the colored glass was more valuable.
I can imagine the creative meeting at Bentley, deciding to use something as fragile as a glass figure as a hood ornament. Talk about decadent! Cheers.
Hi, BK, I can imagine, how wonderful! I just love all the pieces, I would love some of them, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Hi, Green Lotus, lol! can you imagine their faces when he first suggested it? no wonder it is so collectable, thanks so much as always, nell
Wow....this was so beautiful glass art. I had never know about this before. Nell, you help me to find out more about all the glass design by "Lalique Glass". I love all the pictures above. Thank you very much for writing and share with us. I give my vote to you....useful, awesome, useful, interesting. Good job, my friend. Cheers....
Blessing and hugs,
Hi, pras, thank you so much, lalique is lovely, he was a very clever man, he made jewelry, bowls and mascots all with those lovely colors, thanks as always, nell
Hi nell very intresting and great to know about art form and the designer!! loved all the pieces displayed here!! Specially the bracelet!! thanks for sharing!! voted up
-carrie
Hi, carrie, all the pieces are lovely aren't they? thanks for reading, cheers nell
I had never heard of this type of glass but it sure is beautiful! I would love to see some more pieces of jewelry made from this. Thank you so much for sharing this. Voted up, useful, beautiful and interesting!
This type of glass is so Light and Airy and Sexy as well as Beautiful. Such a talented artist. Wonderful and Interesting Hub Nell, now when I go back North, I will check out some of my Glass pieces...You just never know!
Hi, Jamie, thanks so much, I love Lalique glass, its so beautiful, if I had the money I would have it all around my house! lol!
Hi, b. Malin, yes check them out! it's amazing how many people don't know they have any lalique, I watch it on the Antiques road show and believe, there are loads of sellers who have no idea that its so genuine, thanks again nell
Blessings again Nell Rose! Yes, many people have Lalique pieces around their home and are unaware of its value! Often a little nick-knack inherited decades ago from a distant relative is a collector's piece! Luckily, most Lalique pieces are signed or marked in some way! And they do have a distinctive "look" once a person starts examining them more closely! Aren't you tickled Nell that you have enlighted so many about this lovely art?? Blessings of thanks! Earth Angel!
Hi, Earth Angel, I just suddenly thought of writing about it when I had seen it on TV recently, I loved it so much I wanted it! lol! if it helps someone come across a lalique then thats brilliant, thanks again for stopping by, cheers nell
A wonderful hub about a magnificient art. It is beautiful.
Hi, Hello, thank you so much, I love them, I would love to be able to find a piece, especially the lalique mascots, thanks again nell
Wow! How lovely and delicate these works of art seem. I would love to have one of a faery! I'm sure you would already have them spread out through your house though. : Voted up and beautiful. Lovely as always.
Hi, kitty, yes I probably would! lol! they are lovely though aren't they? thanks for reading, cheers nell
I'm simply nuts about glass art. I've seen this work before, but never knew anything about the artist. Excellent hub, interesting subject matter.
Truly a magnificent product. Never has the saying been more true "Beauty Transforms" - and Lalique does! I had the pleasure of visiting a shop in Paris and when I left I was a new 'beautiful' person.
Great hub and rated up of course!
Hi, pmccray, I only discovered Lalique when watching the Antique road show, I became more interested when I spotted the car mascots, they are stunning, its funny how you suddenly get a real interest in something that you haven't even thought of before, and I love these, thanks so much for reading, and I am glad you found it helpful, cheers nell
Hi, TheListLady, I would love to see all the pieces in one place like that, I can quite believe that it made you really like them, it definitely would make me want to buy the lot! lol! thanks so much for the rate, cheers nell
I love these types of Designs.
The photos are great!
Hi, Dr Mohamed, thanks so much, glad you liked it, cheers nell
You always, without fail, do a great job not only keeping me interested but also, teaching me useful information. My mother loves old glass and has been duped on more than one occasion. I can't wait to share your tips with her. On behalf of us both, thank you!
Hi, poet, thanks, I hope your mother finds it helpful, I never used to take any notice of glass ornaments etc, but I saw a lalique on the Antique Road Show one evening and thought how beautiful it was, it fascinated me how he managed to make them so lovely and light up too, have a great Christmas, cheers nell
Beautiful stuff that I knew nothing about. I especially appreciate the tips. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi, alocsin, thanks for reading, it is such lovely glass, I particularly like the car mascots, thanks!
I have a single book end horse that is about 8 inches high that my mother said was Lalique. It is truly beautiful, with the frosted glass, but there is no signature on it. She said she got it for a wedding gift in 1936. Could it really be Lalique without a signature?
Hi, Valleygal, to be honest I am not sure, It does sound like it is though. The best advice I can give is try finding it on the internet, or maybe take it to your nearest auction house. Don't bother with an antique shop because, a: They may not know, and b: there is always the chance that they may try to con you out of it with a little amount of money. Sorry, but that may be the case, I am sure that most antique dealers are honest, but you may just get the wrong one, look up your local auction house online, they open their doors to the public in the week so that you can just walk in and ask to see someone, I have done it lots of times, good luck and if you will, get back and let me know? thanks!
Thanks for the advice. I will let you know what I find out.
Thanks Valleygal, look forward to it.
Hi Nell Rose, an interesting piece, I studied jewelry 1990-92 and had some interest in creating glass jewelry, I did not find many jewelry designers that worked in glass. I was influenced at the time by Art Nouveau and Art Deco, both existed during this mans life time, which can be seen in his pieces. The very first image "Lalique Car Mascot" is a copy of The Spirit of Ecstasy, Used by Rolls Royce, and said to be a further development on the Whisperer, created by Charles Sykes, a film is being made of its origin. The film is, The Silver Ghost, about a secret love affair, all around the Art Nouveau, Deco period and I am disappointed that I didn't come across, Rene Jules Lalique. He would have been inspiring I am sure.
Thanks for sharing this and to be completely honest, I am gutted, about not finding this guy, when I was in university, Gareth.
Hi Gareth sorry for the delay, I found I had a great interest in Lalique when watching all those old antique roadshow programs. I just love the pieces especially the car mascots, I am sorry you never knew about him earlier, its always the way isn't it? thanks for reading, cheers nell
Hey Nell, you don't get away that easy, I don't watch telly. I was telling a friend this afternoon, about this artist, who made great stuff out of glass and after a while he said, " I seen some nice stuff, made from glass, on the antique roadshow" he watches telly more than me.
Mascots I like, especially the Spirit of Ecstasy, both versions, I was sorry, but changed my mind today. I got mine out, so the world could see it, I made it into a statement of success based on. The secret of success, is a journey of destinations. I was inspired by this Hub and said I think. What you have said, what I have said and there is no fuss, right place, wrong time, that time, not this time.
Thank you once again.
Valeria Sanchez 5 months ago
I love Art,
Art is away of expression of your true self,I believe that takes the time to share what they
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