The Alchemy of Nambé Crystal

There's something beyond the beautiful modern esthetic that defines Nambé Crystal. What is it our customers find so captivating? Is it the beautiful ringing sound it produces or the brilliant way it refracts and shimmers in the light? How interesting that something that appears so fragile is strong and durable, with an intriguing warmth to the touch.

It all started in the mid-17th century with English glassmaker George Ravenscroft. While searching for a way to improve his glassware, Ravenscroft found that by adding lead oxide to his molten mixture he could not only improve the clarity of the glass but also dramatically increase the weight and the amount of light refraction. This discovery ignited a movement that quickly spread throughout Britain and Europe.

This is why, when Nambé was searching to produce crystal, in keeping with our core design philosophy, we turned to the traditions of the European masters. Many of our cutting-edge designs take shape using traditional methods that date back more than 300 years.

The highly skilled craftsman gathers the molten mixture at the end of an iron blowpipe. He then breathes life into the gently glowing shape. By means of skill and a good measure of instinct, he blows the "gather" into a rough wooden mold. After the desired basic form has been achieved, the glass begins a process called annealing. This very slow and controlled process of cooling relieves internal pressures and strengthened the glass. The basic "blank" is then ready to trimmed and polished or decorated to meet our exacting design criteria.

How striking the similarities. Nambé Signature Alloy and Nambé Crystal, where new world design meets with old world artisanship.