French Perfume Bottles

Collecting Rene Lalique Perfume Bottles

For those who love fine crystal, Rene Lalique is an icon. Any who has owned or been gifted one of the fine treasures from this master producer of fine crystal should be very aware of the delicacy and precision of his creations. Lalique is primarily know for his identification with French Art Nouveau "decorative arts." He began designing fine jewelry in 1881, using the "lost wax" process. When he expanded in 1905 this process was discontinued, effectively ending the individual uniqueness of each production piece. But it also began another and even more important era - that art nouveau style for which he is so revered. It is the production from this era that I find the most fascinating.

After opening his own glassworks at Combs-la-Ville in 1909 production of a variety of art objects became his focus - inkwells, stamps, boxes and bookends, and my favorite, his incredibly lovely perfume bottles. These are what I have collected and cherish. Nymphs, angels, dragonflies, fish and foliage were favored themes etched on his bottles. These creations date from about 1910 through the1930s. Any special collector should make sure that individual items are engraved or molded with the R. Lalique signature. At his death in 1945 these signature lines disappeared from all production from his factories. Lalique is still being produced today but it is not the same marking and collectors need to realize this.

Where do you begin your collecting? Well I'd suggest first looking online and finding out all you can about Lalique, what you like or even love, or what is most valuable and rare. Collectors collect for many different reason. I collect from love of the artistry and rarity, not primarily for price appreciation, although this does play a role. Most Lalique was characterized as crystal combined with acid-etched relief, but later on some items were made in many colors. Amber and green and red were common tints. If you're the type of collector who is centered on obtaining best price for your item when you put it up for sale keep this in mind: "These colored pieces, especially those in, black, are highly prized by advanced collectors." That means tens of thousands of dollars in some cases!

The link following has a lot of links that you can click to view just what is available from their service. Keep in mind that this company sells to people who are looking for a specific pattern, so it is primarily for people who know exactly what they're looking for. http://www.replacements.com/crystal/CLQ.htm.

Now I am not interested in a particular pattern, only in perfume bottles of a certain vintage. The next link is from one of the foremost New York experts and dealers exclusively in Lalique. Use their site to view the exquisite bottles I love so much. http://www.djltrading.com/perfume_bottles/ Be prepared to Gasp at some of the prices, though-well into the thousands of dollars for the best period antiques.

David Weinstein is the CEO of this New York Company and you can read his history and accolades on his web site. He claims to have the single largest collection of Lalique glass anywhere and has loaned out some of it to museums for disply. He also is the buyer of the highest price ever paid for a Lalique art glass object and is an active purchaser of Lalique from anyone looking for a buyer. It is interesting to note that his web site and company are referred to as "Art Investments, " because when you buy period Lalique you are investing money in something with the full expectation of appreciation and security. http://www.djltrading.com/about.htm

The very best places to hunt for Lalique are auctions and at estate sales. You really must do your research to see how much to pay and refuse to be overcharges. As of this writing there are about 20 perfume bottles on offered for sale Ebay from anywhere around $7.50 to up to several hundred dollars. Be Careful on Ebay, though. Make sure you communicate with the sellers to get verification on anything you buy-especially antiques! You want to have your Antique signed with "R.Lalique" or you're probably getting a newer bottle, not one of the most precious antiques.

The very best advice I have on collecting Lalique is to know your stuff and how to verify its authenticity and just to be cautious. It's unlikely that estate sale managers will not know a priceless antique when they see it, but sometimes you can happen on a sale directly from the family itself and may luck on a bargain in one of these.