By Samantha Coles
This story originally appeared in the September/October 2017 issue of Elite Traveler.
Founded by Ludwig Moser in 1857, Moser Crystal has created exceptional works for discerning clientele ever since, crafting bespoke pieces for heads of state and royal families. This year the brand celebrates 160 years of fine craftsmanship and we visited the anniversary exhibition at Thomas Goode in Mayfair, London.
The intricate engravings and delicate glassware show the meticulous technique used—the same technique that has been passed on from generation to generation for the best part of two centuries. The astonishing attention to detail is made all the more impressive when CEO František Schneider tells us that each step of production is done by hand, and it’s a skill that can take decades to perfect. That perfectionism means that a great percentage of the works are scrapped if not up to Moser’s impeccably high standards.
The collection features works inspired by Moser’s most important and celebrated pieces. The whimsical Path to Glory collection features intricate gilded motifs with beautiful minute detail, and the On the Wings of a Dragonfly collection has a floral Art Nouveau style throughout—we adore the Chloe cup, which solves the dilemma of champagne or wine, as this enameled goblet can be used both ways.
The collection also features more modern works using Moser’s signature color range but still employing the expert craftsmanship. While the entire collection is met with gasps of awe (and trembling hands as we held the lighter-than-air glasses), the pièce de résistance is the chandelier. The arms are gilded in several layers of 24K gold and adorned with 133 drops from hand-blown and cut crystal in Moser’s bespoke golden topaz color. It took 40 people and a year of labor, but seeing how mesmerizingly it catches the light, it’s definitely worth it.
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Images: Little Bird vase, Path to Glory collection, limited to 50 pieces; Moser’s chandelier of cut crystal glass is decorated with 24K gold and weighs nearly 440lbs
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