I’ve been an interior designer for awhile now (big hair was in style when I jumped in) and not too much surprises me or ruffles me to the point of nervously pacing, heart racing and clammy hands.
This day might have been that exception.
My client wanted to surprise his wife for her birthday by gifting her with a Baccarat chandelier.
He and I had secret meetings to pick out something she would adore and then I had to keep from spilling the beans every time she brought up her desires for a chandelier in her dining room.
We chose the Philippe Starck Zenith long 12 light which is 43″ high, 31″ wide and 56 pounds of hand crafted full lead crystal.
Months went by as our treasure was being handcrafted in France.
Finally the day came…
Crates that looked like mini coffins were delivered to my warehouse and we hurried over to the client’s home.
This type of chandelier requires at least 4-5 hours to put together and install.
My client was taking the birthday girl out to lunch…
I wanted to jump in one of the mini coffins.
Instead, I judiciously opened everything for my electricians and started unwrapping each piece.
Some of the many arms
Those aren't carrots….Individually wrapped crystals with Fleur de Lis
Pretty enough to wear around my neck
Bells and Fleur de Lis…Sounds like an old Broadway Musical
Arms and Bobeches
Thank goodness for calm electricians…Thank you Jerry!
So I don’t know what made me the most nervous…our time frame, the surprise factor, the possibility of something crashing down (and onto the custom Holland & Company table we just got from England) or just the fact that there are so many pieces that go into the installation of a Baccarat chandelier.
Could it be? YES, it’s done, hung and beautiful!
Let there be Light!
The cherry on top (or rather on the side) of a Baccarat Chandelier is the small ruby crystal that has a cursive “B” engraved on its surface. Can you see it under the bobeche above?
Here's a closer look
We got packed up and out of there just in time.
My clients loved it! And the birthday girl was thrilled and delighted and…surprised beyond words.
Since 1764, when King Louis XV gave his blessing to the Bishop of Metz to start producing crystal in the small village of Baccarat, France; Baccarat has been making exquisite hand blown, hand gilded crystal.
The name Baccarat is a leading international luxury brand that produces everything from furniture to limited edition perfume bottles.
Dauphin Lamp
Bouchons de Carafe 18 Karat White Gold Cuff
Cerisaie Centerpiece
Crystal Supper Console
Piazza San Marco Vase Candleholder Designer- William Sawaya
Silver Modore Necklace
Oceanie Vase
Bouchons de Carafe 18 Karat White Gold Pendant with Rhodium
Abysse Lamp by Thomas Bastide
Mille Nuits Baby Time
Eve Vase
Limited Edition Chanel No. 5 Bottle by Baccarat
And a few more pictures of their amazing chandeliers…
Cristal Room Moscow
Baccarat Gallery Museum- Paris (via TravelModus.com)
Baccarat Museum - Paris (via TravelModus.com)
Baccarat Chandelier -Dolmabahce, Istanbul
Jai Vilas Palace- India (via frenchantiques.blogspot.com)
Baccarat Museum (via TravelModus.com)
Enjoy,
@
Image credits: 1-9 (Martineau Vermillion Interior Design), 10-21 (Baccarat), all others as noted.
Thanks for reading,
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There’s nothing more gorgeous. What a thoughtful and beyond fabulous gift!! Love that it was a total surprise!!
My husband is good at surprises but I don’t think he’d ever try to pick out a chandelier!
Wow, what an exciting project!!! I felt like I was there with you as I read this!! Beautifully written and photographed!!
Thanks D!
Amy..immensely enjoyed this post and so appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship behind this exquisite chandelier. We were at the Maison and Objet show in Paris and my husband and I were invited to a special reception at Baccarat to talk about this particular chandelier as well as other things going on within the company..the reception was wonderful, I was in awe of this chandelier with the unexpected red crystals revealing themselves and all the beauty and sparkle around me..throw in just being in beautiful France and it was pure heaven! Your clients wife must have been tickled pink with this extraordinary surprise!!!! WOW!! Their line is exquisite, we bought an antique Baccarat about 7 years old for our old house that is truly a showstopper, when we move and put it up in the new house will be sure to post lots of pictures. Thanks for this wonderul ‘unveiling” of a visual delight and all the other gorgeous pictures!! Stop by my blog, if you haven’t already…doing a great giveaway, for a pair of handblown glass Murano lamps from Swank lighting!
http://www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
Tina,
Looking forward to seeing your Baccarat piece!
Amy,
While reading your description of the installation I found myself feeling anxious along with you. As a former carpenter, those projects that only give you one chance to get it right are the most nerve racking but the most satisfying when they are completed. Congratulations on your project and not spilling the beans. Well done.
Steve,
I never knew you were a carpenter! You are a surprising man!
I die…wow. I would have been nervous too…but what a result!!
Bananas! Suz…I d i e
Can I say dripping in rich visuals….hubba, hubba.
Sheryl,
I don’t remember any courses we took that told us how to handle stress!
Amy,
I could wear that around my neck too!
Stunning! I wish I could see it personally. What a fantastic chandelier and ceiling! My jaw just dropped!
I hope you have a very peaceful and harmonious weekend.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Luciane,
We should all have some Baccarat around our necks!
Happy Weekend to you too!
Amy
Your blog is fascinating. The crystal is beautiful, and I loved learning the history of Baccarat.
Thanks Heather! How’s my favorite Tween client?
Love the images….love a beautiful light in any room….that was quite the birthday present…smiles
Amy, what a design adventure! (And what a generous husband your client has!)
I don’t know if my nerves would have hold up but you seem to have gathered a great team and the chandelier is absolutely out of this world gorgeous! 5 stars!
Happy new week to you.
Monika
Thank you Monika!
I really enjoy your blog. I hope you have a great week as well!
Best,
Amy