The 19th Century: Humble Beginnings in Arques

The Luminarc story begins not with the brand itself, but with its parent company, Arc International. In 1825, a small traditional glassmaking workshop was established in the village of Arques, in northern France. At the time, the region was experiencing rising demand for a new type of bottle known as the "dame-jeanne"—large-bodied vessels with narrow necks, used for storing cognac, wine, and other liquids.

Two years earlier, in 1823, Charles Carpentier had built a glassworks in nearby Saint Martin au Laert. In 1825, Alexander des Lyons de Noircarme established another glassworks in Arques itself. The following year, these two sites merged to form Verrerie des Sept Ecluses. This merger marked the beginning of what would eventually become one of the world's most influential glassmaking enterprises.

In 1869, the glassworks was acquired by another operation in Arques, and in 1892 it was renamed Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques. A pivotal moment came in 1897, when the company came under the management of Georges Durand, then just 27 years old. By 1916, Durand had bought the company outright. The Durand family would remain at the helm for generations, guiding the company through periods of transformation and growth.

The Early 20th Century: Technological Pioneering

By the 1920s, the Arques glassworks was still a modest operation focused primarily on the French market, employing just 350 people. But a wave of innovation was about to change everything.

In the early 1930s, Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques distinguished itself as a pioneer—becoming the first company in France to install a tank furnace and mechanical presses. A few years later, it installed the first glass-blowing machines, technologies imported from the United States and still relatively unknown in Europe. These advancements positioned the company at the forefront of industrial glass manufacturing and laid the groundwork for mass production of high-quality tableware.

1948: The Birth of Luminarc

The Luminarc brand as we know it today was officially born in 1948. The name "Luminarc"—evoking light ("lumi") and the arc of the company's heritage—was introduced to offer simple, contemporary, and accessible collections adapted to everyday life. Today, Luminarc remains the brand that achieves the highest turnover within the Arc International Group.

The 1950s–1960s: Expansion and Innovation

In 1958, the Group launched Arcoroc, a brand offering shock-resistant tempered glass collections. This innovation was significant—Luminarc餐具 underwent a special high-temperature rapid cooling process that made its glass products up to three times stronger than ordinary glass of the same thickness. This tempered or reinforced glass, known as "钢化玻璃," became a hallmark of the brand's commitment to durability without sacrificing elegance.

The 1960s brought another milestone: the automated production of crystal stemware, a first in France. This innovation made crystal accessible to a broader audience, democratizing what had previously been a luxury reserved for the elite. In 1968, the Cristal d'Arques brand was created, further expanding the Group's portfolio.

The Global Era: From French Workshop to World Leader

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Arc International continued its global expansion. By 2000, the Group officially changed its name and identity, reflecting its new position as the world leader in all areas of the tableware industry. That same year, Arc acquired Mikasa, a U.S.-based tableware company, gaining a network of nearly 170 retail stores.

In 2008, the Group introduced Chef&Sommelier, a brand offering pure and elegant designs for hotel and restaurant professionals, as well as wine enthusiasts. This move further solidified Arc's presence across both consumer and professional markets.

In 2015, Arc was recapitalized with the arrival of Dick Cashin, who acquired a majority stake and introduced a new logo and identity. A decade later, in 2025, Pascal Cagni and Patrick Molis strengthened the Group's capital, complementing Cashin's commitment and positioning the company for future challenges.




Luminarc Today: A French Art of Living

Today, Luminarc is known worldwide for its commitment to quality, design, and accessibility. The brand's products are made from tempered glass featuring non-porous surfaces that repel impurities and dirt, while offering two to three times the impact resistance of ordinary glass and withstanding sudden temperature changes of up to 135°C.

With more than 6,100 employees manufacturing over three million items every day, Arc International—and Luminarc at its heart—continues to grace tables around the world. The brand's philosophy is beautifully summed up in its own words: "Since 1825, our commitment to materials, craftsmanship, and beauty has run through our two-century lifeline".




From its origins as a small workshop in Arques to its position as a global leader in tableware, Luminarc's journey is a remarkable story of innovation, family legacy, and the timeless French art of living. Every glass, every plate, every piece carries with it nearly 200 years of craftsmanship—a legacy that continues to illuminate tables and homes around the world.