Saint-Louis is a French crystal manufacturer established in 1586 in Saint-Louis-les-Bitche, Moselle, making it the oldest crystal glassworks in Europe. Originally a glassworks producing window glass and mirrors, the factory began producing crystal in 1781 after mastering lead crystal techniques. Saint-Louis received the royal designation of 'Cristallerie Royale' from King Louis XV. The factory in the Moselle region remains the sole production site, employing approximately 250 artisans including master glassblowers, cutters, gilders, and engravers.
Saint-Louis produces crystal stemware, barware, lighting, decorative objects, and tableware accessories. Signature collections include Tommy (a geometric Art Deco design created in 1928), Thistle (featuring detailed thistle-motif cutting), and Folia (a contemporary botanical design by Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance). Each piece is mouth-blown and hand-cut, with complex pieces requiring up to 60 hours of work. The factory produces colored crystal in distinctive shues including ruby, cobalt blue, emerald green, and amethyst, achieved through the addition of metallic oxides during the melting process.
Saint-Louis has been owned by Hermes International since 1989 and operates as a Hermes subsidiary. The brand distributes through its own boutiques, Hermes stores, and select luxury retailers globally. Crystal stemware starts at approximately $150 per glass, with elaborate colored crystal pieces, decanters, and candelabras ranging from $500 to over $20,000. The factory also accepts commissions for bespoke crystal services and one-of-a-kind pieces.