Soon after glass — one of mankind’s earliest and most precious inventions — a discovery that was made in what is now known as the Czech Republic developed and reached an unequaled decorative potential: Here they introduced the world to a distinguished version of glass for decorative purposes called 'Bohemian Crystal'.
PHOTOS BY: Preciosa Doc.
Czechoslovakia’s Bohemian crystals gained fame for its superior quality, extraordinary handicraft, and how the facets and bevels of the crystal prisms refract light. Soon Bohemian crystals “Made in Czechoslovakia” reached the foremost position in the world’s glass trade. They were assembled to be chandeliers that became one of the nation’s most successful product lines and one of Europe’s most celebrated exports back in the 1700s. The chandeliers were dispatched to adorn properties of aristocrats or members of society’s distinguished class all around Europe, including the residence of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, the French Royal Court of Louis XV and his palaces in Versailles and Fontainebleau. Then the rest of the world too began to acknowledge the tradition and merit of Bohemian Crystals.
The Czechs take great pride in all aspects of their excellent invention, from the unity of talents, artisan skills and dedications of its people involved in the creation process, to the businessmen who represent the nation as they trade the crystals abroad. Now, centuries later, Bohemian Crystal’s reputation is still maintained and in many respects, it is the Preciosa Company who shares the honor of the Czech glassmakers as they become the upholder of their nation’s proud glass-making tradition.
“Preciosa”, the feminine form of the Latin word “pretiosus”, means precious, or valuable, much like their precisely cut and refined crystals.
Preciosa’s crystals have unmatchable quality that became the universal standard of a high caliber crystal. Perfected over the course of centuries, Preciosa’s crystal’s combination of precise transparency, glitter, clearness, and brilliant shine prove their expertise in the field. The brand’s originality and half-a-century lineage also fortifies its reputation in producing the world’s top crystals.
Preciosa achieves its exceptional standard worthy of its heritage by only employing trained professionals of glass-making and experienced technicians and technologists. The secret, they claim, lies in the blend of artisan’s skills, creativity and technological savvy, while still appreciating its historical value. The word “Bohemian” is used to instill the glass’ spectacular nature, but lately, “crystal” is also associated with the elitists’ distinguishable choice of glass.
Preciosa offers their clients an array of highly esteemed crystals including fashionable jewelry stones, decorative lighting fixtures and chandelier trimmings, fascinating figurines, and cubic zirconia. By their beauty, excellence, and functionality, Preciosa’s fashion jewelry stones are widely accepted by consumers, particularly in the glamorous fashion industry. Their tailored light fittings of elegantly designed combination of crystal, brass and other supporting materials exude a majestic, artistic feeling to the interiors of theaters, music halls, hotels and at times private residences.
The Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. and Hong Kong are one of many establishments whom can attest to Preciosa’s innovative works of art. At the 5-star hotel, Meritus Shantou in China, Preciosa adorned its foyer with a customized 4 by 8 meter chandelier made of 1300 hand drawn glass bars.
In this day and age where the world is continually fascinated by contemporary installations, Preciosa shows its versatility as it adjusts to the evolving modern trend, growing further than just tier chandeliers. They specially designed crystals of blue and white gradient imitating water droplets for Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, and floating glass petals and stunning clusters of butterflies for the Chinese cuisine restaurant Jin Shan.
Their esteemed stance within the industry, as Preciosa claims to be one of the world’s highest ranking crystal companies, conveyed all the way from where it all started with Jablonec nad Nisou of North Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, presents “Bohemian Crystal” as the most luxurious decoration of wealth. Preciosa collection can be found exclusively at the Da Vinci showroom in Jakarta, Indonesia.