Crystal Valley
Nestled between the Lusatian and Jizera mountain ranges in northern Czech Republic are the rolling hills and clear blue skies of Crystal Valley.
It was here in the heart of Europe, where nearly five centuries ago the first kilns began to illuminate the glassmaking ateliers scattered across North Bohemia, eventually giving birth to a global industry that has all but defined an entire region’s cultural heritage.
North Bohemia is also home to Jablonec nad Nisou, where Preciosa was officially founded and is still proudly located today.
Known also by its German name, Gablonz—as it was called during the bygone days of the Austro-Hungarian empire—this quaint Bohemian village, with its abundant supply of skilled labor and proximity to coveted natural resources, rapidly emerged as Europe’s glassmaking epicenter.
Situated between the Lusatian and Jizera mountains, Preciosa operates in and around some of the most highly protected areas in Europe. This picturesque valley bordered by Germany to the west and Poland to the east, emerged as the epicenter of glassmaking during the sixteenth century owing to its abundant supply of natural resources like water, wood and especially sand.
Crystal Valley is home to many naturally occurring sand deposits that contain high levels of silicon-dioxide, an organic compound that Bohemian crystal its signature sparkle.
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