Lalique was founded in 1885 by French glass designer René Lalique, who spent more than 60 years designing jewelry, vases, perfume bottles, chandeliers, clocks and other ornaments.

Known as one of France's foremost art nouveau jewelry designers, he was recognized later in his career for his art deco style. His designs often incorporate flowers, plants and flowing lines. Second to his jewelry, Lalique was known for his vases in brilliant colors like amber, plum and opalescent. The artist created many items for various people, including the walls of lighted glass and glass columns that filled the dining room and grand salon of the SS Normandie. At the peak of production, Lalique made millions of pieces of glassware; he passed in 1945, and many of his pieces are collected and passed down through generations, though few carry high value.