Dammann Frères - the pleasure of drinking tea

Damman Frères started the tea business in 1692, under the Sun King Louis XIV' s reign, through which they became the exclusive distributors of fine tea in France. The uniqueness of Damman Frères is that they use silk bags, a distinct taste experience that promises to revolutionize the drinker's tea drinking. The strength of Dammann Frères resides in its exceptional blends and the cristal sachet, which the tea is presented in. The fine grid and the transparency of this sachet allows teas to be conditioned with all the same qualities appreciated in loose teas. Since it does not shrink in water, the sachets allows the leaf free movement to steep in the cup with out any constraint. The cristal sachet provides the tea-drinker the exceptional taste and the aesthetic pleasure with the practicality of the sachet. 

Paris' Marie Papier

For 30 years Marie-Paule Orluc's boutique, Marie Papier has been serving the finest collections of artisan paper, hand-made luxurious stationary which has supplied fashion houses from Hermès to Lanvin. Where traditional stationary techniques and materials are used; cardboard, glue muslin, bookmarks, paper, linen, leather, each article is hand-made which allows to maintain a high level of quality.

Versailles' Patisserie - Stohrer

Dating back to 1730, Stohrer is recognized with creating the Baba au Rhum pastry. When Marie Leszczynska, daughter of King Stanislas de Pologne, married Louis XV in 1725 she asked her father to allow his pastry chef Nicolas Stohrer to come to France with her. By the King's permission, Stohrer went to France where soon he became the patisserie for the court at Versailles. Stohrer created the famous threat Baba au Rhum by soaking brioche in màlaga wine and filling it with crème påtissière, which had been scented with saffron and raisins. Another Stohrer original creation is the èclair au chocolat, with the choux (dough) being shaped like the large dresses women wore during the 18th century.

Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier

Every year Pierre Marcolini travels the world to find the best of cocoa beans and invent unique flavors. Marcolini makes the chocolate by himself using natural cocoa beans, which he selects personally. He is among the last 5 craftsmen working this way in Europe. The manufacturing of the chocolates starts by roasting the beans to remove the dry residual humidity, which also helps to increase the aroma. The beans are then crushed to start the chocolate making process: mixing cocoa, cocoa beans, butter, sugar and fresh Tahitian vanilla. The mixing results in new inventions of delicious and exquisite flavors of chocolate. 

Il Papiro - fine artistic stationary of Florence

Founded in 1976 in Florence, Il Papiro was first in Italy to rediscover the fine taste for materials and techniques in stationary. Il Papiro produces objects in hand decorated paper with methods inspired by the traditional Tuscan craftsmanship. From paper to leather bound journals, boxes, ink, was seals, stamps and many more products of high Italian quality can be found here.

Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry - must visit at Neue Gallery

The Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry was established in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, who shared a belief that jewelry should be valued for its artistic merit. On march 26th, Manhattan's Neue Gallery, opened the exhibition for the Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry and will be on view through June 30, 2008. The exhibition highlights masterpieces created by the Wiener Werkståtte between 1903-1920. It features significant pieces by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Carl Otto Czeschka, Dagobert Peche and other prominent artists. 

Stéphane Kélian - master in luxury shoes

Its been 30 years since Stéphane Kélian launched his first women's shoe collection - a line of colorful woven shoes that were destined to make a lasting impression on the footwear industry. Established in 1978, three brothers, who were the sons of an Armenian tanner who fled the massacres of the Ottoman Empire, used to run the luxury shoes company. Plaiting on boards, machines or lasts: all of these techniques were used for great craftsmanship without cutting or even seams. As the press raved, the sales boomed and Kélian shoes began to be seen on almost every French mesdames. 

Steiff - button in ear

Steiff toys were founded by Margarete and Richard Steiff in 1880 with the elephant - first soft-filled toy animal. Richard Steiff's drawings of animals, which were inspired by his countless visits to Stuttgart's Nill Zoo served as the basis for new Steiff articles. Production of Steiff toys are done by hand through traditional methods. Once the pattern is drawn, the cutting of individual pieces are done by hand. Traditional means are used at Steiff to dye products by hand using a template in order to optimize the plush structure. Once the cut-out pieces are sewn together on the wrong side, the sewn body is then turn to the right way round. The filling process requires great care and strength from the person filling. The "button in ear" symbolizes Steiff Toys' high-quality, good design, perfect workmanship and promises that all Steiff pieces are safe for children. 

Hilat - Jewelry that speaks the ancient times

Istanbul's Hilat Jewelry is created by people who are deeply in love with the ancient art of Anatolia. Valued goldsmiths craft each piece with the admiration they have towards utilizing historical remains left by ancient empires such as the Byzantium and the great Ottoman Empire. Hilat Jewelry differs from other ancient/antique looking jewelry because goldsmiths use solid gold by hand, which they believe it to be the best material to carry out the beauty of the Classical world to the present time. Established in 1971, Hilat exhibits its collections in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, a city full of beautiful remains from the 7th century B.C. onwards.

Chic hair accessories by Alexandre de Paris

Handmade right from the start, Alexandre de Paris makes truly unique hair accessories. All pieces are made using traditional production methods that are over a hundred years old. Where two collections are being designed for one year, the design team spends long hours on creativity and achieving high-quality because durability plays an important role in hair accessories as they are known to break easily. 

Art of enamelling

The art of enamelling is defined as a vitreous glass like coating fused onto a metallic base. Enamelling is recognized as a truly artisan's work where the use of hand are always in action. The earliest known enamelled objects were made in Cyprus around the 13th century. Until the 18th century nearly all enamelling involved the production of works of art and religious artefacts. As newer techniques were being explored, the art of enamelling began to be applied in precious luxury objects targeted towards the royalty and the wealthy. France became the main center for manufactured enamels in the 12th century where French artisans pioneered in enamelling throughout Europe. Above is a beautiful Limoges enamel piece, used as a snuffbox during the 18th-19th centuries.

Antique silverware from Dabbene

The family Dabbene has been long established in silverware and their shop offers a vast choice of antique Italian pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. The beautiful silver boxes are a must see. The store is located at Milan's 2 Largo Claudio Treves.

Dyptique's 40th anniversary of L'eau

Founded in 1961, Dyptique has followed its mission to produce goods like candles, soaps and fragrances based on their ancient recipes. As part of the 40th anniversary of L'eau, the first collection of eau-de-toilette is being released in May. Three perfumes will be produced, L'eau de l'eau, L'eau de Néroli and L'eau des Hesperides, each having a different, mesmerizing scent.

Luxury papers since 1776

Founded in 1776, Raimondi di Pettinaroli is one of the oldest shops in Milan. The store sells antique and modern luxury papers, printed material guaranteeing the highest quality and best craftsmanship ever. The beautiful store is located in Milan's 6 Corso Venezia.

Garbagnati - choice of the Milanese

A well known bakery by the Italians, Garbagnati offers fresh bread as well as delicious pastries. The 'panettoni' which is a special of the bakery has been a favorite of the Milanese. Located on 3 Via Victor Hugo.

All men's accessories - G. Lorenzi

From a small grinding shop in 1929 to one of the most finest names in men's accessories today, G. Lorenzi has come a long way. They scan the world for the best materials, craftsmen and designs. Lorenzi is the perfect place to pick up a small yet special gift.

The art of hat making

The art of hat making is an ancient artisanal tradition that has now lost the importance it once enjoyed in the early decades of the last century. There was a time when elegant ladies would not leave their homes without their hats on. Mutinelli has been in Milan since 1888, where it has been selling al kinds of hats made in different materials and designs.

Les Parfums de Rosine

Established in 1991, Les Parfums de Rosine is a niche perfume house located at the Palais Royal in Paris. The philosophy of the parfumerie is to combine the magical smell of the flower rose with the art of perfume making where an infinite variety of perfumes have been crafted. Presentation and using only the natural essences are the two main concerns of the parfumerie. All bottles are beautifully wrapped in colored tissue paper and each bottle is decorated with a silky tassel around it, which makes it hard to throw away the bottle because its so chic!

Luxe stationary

Founded in 1929 New York, Mrs John L Strong had immediately set the standard for exquisite hand-engraved stationary. Mrs John L Strong stationary has been a choice of world leaders, American presidents, royal families, celebrities and many others. As luxury papers and fine stationary goods are provided, unique gifts are available as well for those appreciate one-of-a-kind accessories. The stationary's atelier is located at 699 Madison Avenue, 5th floor.

Marinella - ties of history

Occupying a small area of 20 square meters, Marinella has become the 'it' place to buy the best tie in the world. The shop has passed through important historical events, the two world wars, decline of the nobility, appearance of the middle class, but still has thrived in its art of making ties. Where all the sewing is done by hand, the shop still opens at 6:30 am to get customers stop by on their way to work.

A true shoe - Massaro

For the Countess of Bismark, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlena Dietrich and many more, shoes were not merely another accessory; they were an expression of their desire to set themselves apart - a mark of prestige and elegance. For over 60 years Raymond Massaro designs and produces shoes for important fashion houses like Chanel, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano and many more. With truly beautiful design and advanced skills in crafting the shoes, Paris' Massaro has become the address for the prestigious clientele who appreciates artisan work. 

Oldest wonderland - Au Nain Bleu

This world famous toystore has been a favorite among Parisian children since mid 19th century. The store happens to be the largest and the oldest in Paris. A Nain Bleu has a breathtaking atmosphere, resembling to a high-priced wonderland of elaborate dollhouses, miniature sportcars and hand-made rocking horses.

Auer - a tradition of chocolate making

Established since 1939 in Geneva, the Auer family has continued a tradition of 5 generations as chocolate makers. All of the chocolates are deliciously handmade in a traditional manner, but doubtlessly the 'pavé glacé of Geneva' is recognized as one of Auer's prides. A professional team working by hand and following the recipes of Mr. Henri Auer, produce an irreproachable quality and matchless taste.

Russia's Gzhel

Gzhel happens to be the name of a major ceramics center in Moscow. Though the secrets of the craft were handed down from generation to generation long before, Gzhel rose to fame as a large center of ceramics in the 18th century when local potters mastered the making of ceramics. Still it serves one of the best ceramic pieces in the world.

Trimmings by Declerq Passementiers

Declerq Passementiers began in 1852 with a very small trimmings factory in Paris. Generations of craftspeople have handled down their expertise and ancestral techniques, thus perpetuating the redefined traditions of a trade that has become rare. Used creatively by interior designers, trimmings are the great partner to decorating fabrics as they enhance and enrich, bringing contrast or compliment to an atmosphere. All trimmings are made using hands with the oldest methods to maintain the high quality.

Must visit, Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier

In the 17th century, the golden age of perfume profession, there were 250 perfumers and glove-makers in Paris. They worked according to a charter granted to them by the Sun King Louis XIV. In their shops, they sold perfumed gloves, supreme elegance of that era, perfumes, hair powder and make-up. Their shops, essentially located in the center of Paris, were richly decorated: elegant furniture and armchairs, Spanish leather-covered walls, marble floors decorated ceilings and soft lighting. When clients came to buy their perfumes, they would stay on for awhile in the boutique and chat while the perfumer prepared their order. This setting has inspired Jean F. Laporte to create the Parisian shop Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier. He has chosen to recreate the particular style of a 17th century 'perfume cabinet' where gold, grayish green and raspberry red dominate in a luxurious atmosphere. A definite must visit to understand the art of perfume making. Location is 5 rue de Capucines and 84 bis rue de Grenelle, Paris.

Choice of the monarchs & aristocrats

Herend fine porcelain was founded in 1826 and ever since it has been the choice of European monarchs and aristocrats when it comes to buying decorative figures, dinnerware and other porcelain pieces. Each and every piece of Herend dinnerware, figurines and home accessories is an individual work of art created by highly trained master craftspeople.

Urart' s inspiration from ancient civilizations

Urart presents the unique past with the opportunities of modern age through creative inspiration. The artistic approach Urart has introduced to the jewelry craftsmanship is maintained and developed by artworks of artisans for the past 32 years. The company has recently won the gold prize at the South Sea Pearl Jewelry Design with this exceptional piece above.

Caffé Florian, symbol of Venice

Opened in 1720 in Venice's Piazza San Marco, Café Florian has become the city's symbol. It happens to be the oldest cafés in Italy where Italian noblemen and politicians used to spend leisure time at Florian. During the 19th century, people like Lord Bryon, Goethe, Marcel Proust, Modigliani used to sit at Florian's tables and sip from Florian's delicious coffees & teas. Café Florian offers a wide range of unique handcrafted products such as different kinds of coffees&teas, room fragrances, accessories as silk scarves and ties. 

Bizansio glass factory, 1816

Born in 1816, Bizansio glass factory in Venice specializes in handmade glassworks. Important artists from Murano craft the pieces by hand with great care, preserving the almost-200-year old family tradition.

L'arlecchino - the art of carnival masks

L'arlecchino was founded with the idea to keep up an old tradition which had almost got lost: the carnival and the art of creating papier marché marks. In the craftshop the owner created the masks entirely by hand the traditional way, starting from the clay model, the chalk model the making of papier marché and the hand painted decoration.

Artisanal luxury is hidden in details

Throughout the doors, rooms, and gardens of Versailles works of fine craftsmanship is visible. The Sun King's supportive control over the artisans resulted in an aesthetically-pleasing artisanal luxury that decorated spaces magnificently. Louis XIV was a man of detail, he wanted France to convey an image of graceful elegance and tasteful opulence. In oder to achieve this goal, every detail received the King's personal attention from swans to streetlights of Paris, to the heels for men's shoes. 

Knipschildt - artisan chocolate

Fritz Knipschildt, maître chocolatier makes no compromises; he applies the highest standards of excellence to each and every step of the chocolate and confection process. The end result is chocolate that looks as beautiful as it tastes. The founding principle of Knipschildt Chocolatier is to make artisan chocolate crafted by hand. 

Story behind Meissen's 'cross swords'

As isolated pieces of Chinese porcelain began to reach Europe at the end of 13th century, European craftsmen attempted to reproduce the formula for its composition. In 1710, the production of the porcelain started in Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen and Europe's 1st porcelain manufactory was born. As the demand for porcelain grew, imitations were being made which allowed Meissen to recognize the need to protect genuine Meissen porcelain. Thus the famous 'crossed swords' were painted under the glaze on all Meissen products. 

Hiref - master in Anatolian handcrafts

Hiref is a design company with a philosophy of combining the wealthy Turkish inheritance with the concept of contemporary design. Hiref brings thier contemporary design skills to the Anatolian handicrafts while preserving their historical essence. 

17th century woodblock engravings on ceilings and wallpaper

Zuber is the last factory in the world to produce woodblock printed wallpapers and furnishing fabrics since 1797. Zuber uses original woodblock engraved from the 17th-18th centuries and is classified as a 'historical monument.'

Classic craftsmanship in furniture

George Smith has kept its tradition to use hands in furniture making for centuries. Every item is made using only the finest raw materials. Built by hand in George Smith workshops, skilled craftsmen continue the traditions of classic craftsmanship developed in generations gone by. Above is a design for a 19th century George Smith cabinetry.

Art of 'chini' revives

The Iznik art of 'chini' production was in its peak during the 16th century but then because of the ongoing wars in the Anatolian region it disappeared gradually towards the end of 17th century without leaving any documentation regarding its production. Thanks to the Iznik Foundation, Turkish craftsmen and experts on ceramics have started to work on designing new tiles to revive the ancient art. Iznik tiles require great work and attention in the design process as one piece totally handmade takes up to 70 days.

Easter gifts at Limoges

Artoria Limoges products, located on the banks of the Vienne river in the city of Limoges France, share a long rich tradition and history that dates to 18th century France where these boxes first appeared as snuff boxes. Each box is initialed and numbered by the artist with the Artoria decorating mark, and comes in their classic gift box with certificate of authenticity. For easter, Limoges has crafted beautiful pieces that are limited in number. This Limoges Floral Easter Egg is hand-painted that comes with a smaller golden egg inside, and is limited to 1000 pieces. 

Poilâne, the haut-couture of bread

In 1932, Pierre Poilâne founded the original shop on Paris' rue du Cherche Midi where he made country-style loaves in a wood burning oven, using honest ingredients like stone-ground flour and crushed wheat germ and live yeast. Even though Poilâne bread is available in most French supermarkets today, Parisians and tourist are still queueing in front f the the original shop to buy the fresh out of the oven bread. 

The art of chocolate making, La Maison du Chocolat

It must be hard to eat La Maison du Chocolat' s beautiful chocolate for the reason that it each piece looks like a piece of art. Founded in 1977 by Robert Linxe in Paris, La Maison du Chocolat is a master chocolatier delivering delicious and elegant chocolates. The chocolatier is strict on using only natural ingredients and raw materials such as cocoa beans and cocoa butter instead of artificial sweeteners and vegetable oils. The artist behind the chocolates, Robert Linxe has published a book where he reveals his newest creations and recipes for his unique chocolate and pastries. The chocolatier's stores in London and New York offers special tasting to awake your senses and taste buds in a gourmand atmosphere. 

Steuben, imperfection-free

Steuben Glass was founded in New York where the company has maintained its unique tradition of working by hand since 1903. Skilled artisans design each piece with a special method for melting the glass to achieve the perfect execution of the final piece. Pieces are cut, polished and engraved by hand where after each item is minutely inspected before it is signed with a diamond-tipped pen. If there are any imperfect pieces that have a scratch, it is destroyed. The brand simply won't accept imperfections in their art of glass-making.

Les Bains du Marais - 1000 years of tradition

Le Bains du Marais is a Parisian line born from Moroccon-style hammam located in the old street of the Marais. Each product of the line revels in luxury and is crafted in honor of old traditions of steam, exfoliation, moisturization and gentle fragrance waters. The products are produced in small limited amounts and are made with pure ingredients. The rich and elegant surroundings of Les Bains du Marais spa in the historical Marais district make it a favorite Paris address for those who appreciate genuine artisanal luxury.

Santa Maria Novella, a living historical pharmacy

Established by the Dominican Fathers shortly after 1221, Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. The essences as well as the famous perfumes are still prepared following the formulas studies in 1500 for Caterina De' Medici. Besides the beautiful perfumes, there are pharmaceutical products that were being produced, such as the acqua di rose (rose water) an excellent refreshing tonic for red eyes, which was available for sale in the second half of the 14th century. The production is limited and is meticulously controlled where only the highest quality natural ingredients are used and the procedures are the same ones by the pharmacy's founding fathers. 

Trudon, the candle of Versailles still lights today

Founded in 1643, the chandler Maison de Cire Trudon is the oldest wax-producing factory worldwide. Trudon candles have lit many rooms, religious ceremonies, special occasions, French churches, aristocratic spaces most importantly Trudon has furnished Louis XIV' s Versailles. The magic of the royal balls held in Versailles were illuminated by Trudon. This 17th century candle, which is paraffin-free and made with 100 percent vegetable wax, can still be found today at the company's store in Paris' rue Saint-Honore and special retailers like Barney's in Manhattan New York.

Magnificence of French artistry

Through his wars and the glory of Versailles, Louis XIV became to a certain degree, the arbitrer of taste and power in Europe and both his chateau and the etiquette in Versailles were copied by the other European courts. But Louis didn't hesitate to share the excellence of French craftsmanship, that's why he gave presents to other Emperors to show how skilled his artisans were. Above is a masterpiece of French artistry, a cabinet Louis XIV gave to Charles II of England.

Art of furniture making

During his reign, Louis XIV demanded his financial minister Jean Baptiste Colbert to establish royal control over artisanal production in France; henceforth France would no longer purchase luxury goods from abroad but would itself set the standard for quality. The furnishing from Louis' reign is referred to as Louis XIV style, which is characterized by thick brocades of red and gold, heavy gilt work on plaster moldings, large sculpted sideboards and heavy marbles to show the opulence of the French monarchy and the exquisite craftsmanship of French artisans. 

Joailleire, Louis XIV' s way of playing with diamonds

Louis XIV saw the diamond as a perfect natural complement to the dazzling displays of style and opulence he favored: the diamond was the precious stone of choice for sparkly, glamorous reign. At the grandest soirees at Versailles, the King expected his courtiers to wear diamonds but no man or woman has ever dared to show of more diamond than than the King. Joaillerie, jewelry making raised to the status of fine art during Louis XIV' s reign. Joailliers invent the designs that revolutionize the way jewelry is made and transform the way jewels are worn; they create works of art rather than mass-produced ornaments. Louis XIV surely was an admirer of diamond, by demanding his artisans to craft his personal objects with diamonds. Above are Louis' inkstand and cup from his collection of jewels. 

The Sun King's French Blue

The 45.52 carat blue Hope Diamond was found in India as a rough crystal weighing 112 carats. It first came to light when Jean Baptiste Tavernier, noted French traveler of the 17th century, purchased the stone and smuggled it to Paris, where he later sold it to Louis XIV. It was cut there into a triangular pear shaped stone weighing 67.50 carats and was then known as the French Blue or the Tavernier Blue. Louis gave the stone to Madame Montespan, his mistress, who soon went to royal discard and the stone was lost now. The diamond disappeared, and for many years it was not heard. Above is Tavernier's diagram of the diamond.