Discover the most refined corkscrews of the Laguiole en Aubrac collection — where every detail, from the sculpted bee to the choice of noble materials, speaks of luxury, artistry, and legacy.
What Defines the Prestige Bee Collection?
The Prestige Bee collection is not a mere variation of Laguiole en Aubrac’s corkscrews — it is the pinnacle of their craftsmanship. These models feature a finely chiseled bee, hand-carved bolsters, sculpted liners, and — in some cases — exceptional Damascus steel blades. Every sommelier in this collection is assembled and finished by a single artisan, ensuring complete coherence of form and function.
Designed for true connoisseurs and collectors, Prestige Bee corkscrews elevate wine service into an art form. They blend ergonomic performance with intricate artistry, making them timeless gifts or personal heirlooms. Let’s explore the materials and defining features that make each of these sommeliers so exceptional.
Signature Features of the Prestige Bee Corkscrew
- Sculpted Bee: Delicately engraved and full of character — a mark of distinction at the top of the spine.
- Chiseled Liners (Platines): The liners are finely decorated with symmetrical motifs — floral, vegetal, or abstract.
- Decorated Bolsters: Whether twisted, engraved with sage leaves, or mirror polished, they enhance each model’s silhouette.
- Optional Damascus Blade: For select models, a serrated stainless Damascus steel blade by Balbach (Germany) adds collectible value.
Materials of the Prestige Bee Corkscrews
Olivewood
Native to the Mediterranean basin, olivewood is beloved for its rich cream color streaked with caramel and honey tones. It offers a warm, tactile experience and tells the story of centuries-old trees shaped by wind and sun. The wild, irregular grain makes each handle truly unique, while its dense and oily nature ensures longevity and natural resistance to moisture.
Snakewood (Amourette)
With a name derived from its striking scale-like pattern, Snakewood — or Amourette — is one of the most visually arresting hardwoods. Native to South America, its rich reddish-brown background is overlaid with dark, serpentine markings that shimmer in the light. In addition to its beauty, Snakewood is extremely dense, giving the corkscrew a confident weight and robustness. It’s a favorite among those who want their sommelier to be as much a conversation piece as a tool.
→ See this Laguiole corkscrew with snakewood handle
Ebony
Among the densest and darkest of all woods, ebony is prized for its sleek black appearance and fine texture. It conveys elegance, restraint, and timeless beauty. Traditionally used for musical instruments and luxury objects, ebony offers a minimalist counterpoint to the ornate bee and liners of the Prestige collection. Each polished surface gleams without need of varnish — a statement of quiet sophistication.
→ See this Laguiole corkscrew with ebony wood handle
Vine Stock
Crafted from the reclaimed roots of wine grapevines, this material is steeped in symbolism. Every vine stock handle carries the story of a vineyard — of sun-soaked harvests and the deep-rooted connection between winemaker and land. Its twisted forms and rustic textures are stabilized and polished to reveal extraordinary patterns, often with swirls of auburn, gray, and amber. It is an ideal choice for wine lovers who seek poetic resonance.
→ See this Laguiole corkscrew with vine stock wood handle
Ram Horn Bark
Ram horn bark is the outer part of the horn, naturally rough and unpredictable, yet captivating. It ranges in color from golden tan to smoky black, with bold contrasts and occasional surface ridges. These horns are sourced responsibly and shaped with care, preserving their organic texture. No two pieces are alike — making each sommelier truly individual.
Buffalo Horn
Smooth, deep-toned, and highly polished, buffalo horn is a classic material long used in traditional French cutlery. Its appearance can vary from translucent blonde to pitch black, sometimes blending both in the same piece. It feels cool and silky in the hand, and its natural density makes it both beautiful and resilient. Perfect for those who value both tradition and texture.
Stag Horn (Deer Antler)
Stag horn carries with it the rugged elegance of the wild. Collected after natural shedding, it is worked by hand to preserve its tactile ridges and inner ivory tones. The surface is slightly porous and variegated — a reminder of its origin in nature. Its organic, noble feel appeals to those who appreciate rustic authenticity balanced with artisanal finish.
Ebony and Mammoth Ivory Checkerboard
This prestige material combines the dense black of ebony with fossilized mammoth ivory in a checkerboard pattern of astonishing visual contrast. The fossilized ivory, sourced from arctic regions, bears shades of cream, blue-grey, or caramel depending on age and preservation. Set into polished ebony, each segment is laid by hand, forming a truly luxurious marquetry.
→ See this Laguiole corkscrew with ebony and mammoth ivory handle
Fossil Mammoth Ivory
Perhaps the most extraordinary of all materials, mammoth ivory comes from prehistoric remains unearthed in permafrost. Each piece is millions of years old and displays hues ranging from soft cream to iron-oxide browns or glacial blues. Extremely dense, slightly translucent, and cool to the touch, this material turns every corkscrew into a work of natural history and fine craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The Prestige Bee collection from Laguiole en Aubrac represents the summit of artisanal design and heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the natural depth of horn, the warmth of rare woods, or the story embedded in fossil ivory, each sommelier is a singular creation — signed, shaped, and perfected by hand. It is more than a gift. It is a symbol of craftsmanship at its highest level, offered to those who appreciate excellence in every gesture.
→ Looking for something more understated? Browse all Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrews
