Mon Jardin by Ceralene
Directoire (Gold Trim) by Baccarat
Parma Sterling by Buccellati Silver

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The elegant Mon Jardin pattern by Ceralene is adorned with a variety of colorful floral designs in a multitude of vibrant hues. Produced by Raynaud, Ceralene is “continental” china, the hardest of three primary types of china produced today. Fired at nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, Ceralene’s thin body is perfectly white and translucent (before decoration) with a fine, clear “ring” when tapped. Raynaud, a manufacturer known and recognized since 1894 as a leader in applied art in tableware design, was established in Limoges, France, a city renowned for its artistry in fine porcelain. According to Ceralene company literature, Ceralene china “... is different from any other Limoges marketed today in both quality and styling. Many patterns are exact reproductions or adaptations of museum pieces of the 18th century. They constitute a truly distinctive china in the best French table tradition.” Our featured Mon Jardin pattern is a wonderful example of Ceralene’s dedication to artistry and quality in applied ceramic arts.

Baccarat Directoire (Gold Trim) crystal features a clean, streamlined shape with gold trim on the bowl and foot. With its round foot and multi-sided stem, Directoire (Gold Trim) is a magnificent example of European crystal making with strong Modern influence – it was produced from 1931 to 1961! In 1764, King Louis XV of France granted the Bishop Montmorency-Laval of Metz rights to build a glassworks in the town of Baccarat. By the 1830s the company was producing crystal glassware, candelabras, and banisters for palaces and manor houses in England and across Europe – even crystal hookahs for Constantinople! By the end of the nineteenth century, Baccarat crystal was known throughout the world. In 1885, orders poured in from India, the United States, England, Mexico, and Brazil. Baccarat crystal has graced the tables of King Louis XVIII, King Charles X, Emperor Napoleon III, and many French presidents.

Buccellati Silver Parma is a gorgeous sterling pattern that features an outlined edge design and a glossy finish. While Parma is very stylish, its understated design is an ideal complement to the Mon Jardin and Directoire patterns. Parma is emblematic of its maker, Buccellati Silver. Buccellati is a name known in the silver world since the 1750s, when Contardo Buccellati gained renown as a goldsmith in Milan, Italy. In 1903, one of Contardo’s descendents, Mario Buccellati, continued the family tradition when he began working as an apprentice at Beltrami & Beltrami, a jewelry firm located near the La Scala opera house in Milan. By 1919, Mario had taken over the company, and focused on the art of engraving. He gained acclaim with his Renaissance-inspired designs and detailed engraving and piercing methods that made his pieces resemble fine fabrics like linen, tulle, and lace. Mario’s exquisite artistry prompted Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio to refer to him as the “prince of goldsmiths.” Over the years, Buccellati has crafted jewelry for the royal families of Italy, Spain, and Egypt. Today, the Buccellati firm continues its tradition of excellence under the leadership of the Buccellati family.

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