Crystal Chandelier
Crystal Chandelier is a decorative light item that can never be outdated. It gives your favorite space a gorgeous and elegant look. You can use it as a glittering showstopper for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hotel lobbies, etc. Its bejeweled splendor invites people into the world of beauty and wonder. When the crystals refract and reflect light, then, the visual sparkle in a room is created by the chandelier. Let’s read interesting details about the crystal chandelier which is a wondrous piece of artwork and exudes breathtaking beauty and glamor in the space. Have a look at simple and stylish false ceiling designs for your living rooms for the best decor.
Let’s understand the basics of crystal chandelier
The glass that is used in manufacturing splendid crystal chandeliers is different from normal glass. The crystals used in the chandelier consist of lead oxide. The element of lead oxide makes the chandelier heavier and more refractive than ordinary glass. It means that crystals ignite more light, more sparkling beauty, and more glamour in the space. The manufacturers of crystal chandeliers take care of the percentage of lead oxide when they manufacture prismatic crystals. A high percentage of lead oxide should be used in manufacturing crystals to get a better reflection and refraction of lights. You can understand the percentage of lead oxide used in crystals in the following points:
- Only the presence of 6 to 10% lead oxide in the glass can give it the form of crystalline.
- If 24% to 30% lead oxide is used in crystals, it means that it is half lead.
- More than 30% of lead oxide is used in manufacturing full lead crystals.
Let’s explore the types of crystal chandeliers
You can explore an extensive range of crystal chandeliers when going out shopping. Read the following types of crystal chandeliers:
1. Rock chandelier
When we talk about the beginning of the use of crystal chandeliers, we usually talk about rock crystal chandeliers. They originated in the 16th century. With their origination, wax candles were displaced. Now, you can see this ancient rock chandelier in only museums and palaces.
2. Colored Crystals
Colored crystals are in fashion these days. They help to revitalize the whole room within a few seconds with their fabulous colored light fixtures. The manufacturers follow the classical styles of manufacturing them. Then, they are colored to offer a different and unique look to your favorite space. If you analyze the color and consistency of these prismatic crystals, you will find that each one of them is outstanding. You can explore different sizes and shapes to choose from.
3. Venetian Crystal Chandelier
The name of Venetian crystal chandelier has been hailed from an Italian city named Venice. This type of crystal is not cut. It is molded with the procedure of fire polishing so that the round edges can be formed. These crystals do not lead oxide to get a better reflection of light like the other crystals. It consists of lime and soda. Subsequently, they look softer than the other types of crystals. Furthermore, the best thing is that they are cost-effective.
4. Murano Crystal Chandelier
Murano, an island in Venice, Italy, gave excellent art to the whole world. Murano Crystal is based on world-famous artwork. They are designed by master artisans and craftsmen in brilliant shapes. The shapes that are given are circles, flowers, and more. When they are hung in the living room or hotel lobbies or anywhere else, they give an elegant and glamorous appearance there.
5. Gemcut Crystal Chandelier
Gemcut or Egyptian crystal chandeliers consist of lead oxide in a high percentage. They are flawless, sharp, and clear crystals.
6. Swarovski Crystal Chandelier
The Swarovski crystal chandelier is the finest in the world. They are manufactured with the help of machines in the Austrian Alps. They consist of more than 30% lead oxide. Hence, they look clear, flawless, pure, and excellent. An optical coating is found over these crystals. This gives the benefit of easy cleaning.
7. K9 Crystal Chandelier
K9 crystals are in demand these days due to several reasons. The first thing is that they are cheaper than other crystals. The second thing is that they have more clarity and a higher refractive index than other crystals. Furthermore, in its manufacturing optical crystal is used instead of lead oxide.
Let’s discuss different methods of crafting crystals
Three methods are highly popular for crafting crystals for chandeliers. These methods include machine-cut, hand-cut, and hand-blown.
Machine cut method
Some manufacturers take the help of machines for manufacturing crystals. They are known for sharpness, clarity, and polishing.
Hand-cut method
Hand-cut crystals are different from machine-cut crystals. In their production, the traditional method of cutting crystals is used. The manufacturers use iron and sandstone wheels for cutting. Subsequently, they are polished on a wood wheel with marble dust. You can explore an extensive range of hand-cut crystals i.e. Regal, Heritage, Czech, Crystalique, and Turkish.
Hand-blown method
Hand-blown method is used by master artisans for manufacturing magnificent Murano and Venetian crystals for chandeliers. This method is known for offering excellent works of art of heirloom quality that has never been seen before.
Let’s read about some chandelier crystal cuts
- Octagon: Eight-sided. Available in various shapes.
- Icicle: Small-sized, thin, and sharp
- Spear: longer than icicle; thin and sharp
- Rosette: flower shaped
- Square stones: just like the symbol of the X
- Swedish drop (pear): Diamond-shaped facets
- Kite: Its shape is different from a diamond. Its top two angles are longer than the bottom angles.
- Hexagonal Prism: Six-pointed tips. It consists of long and thin drops.
- Baguette (colonial): These are long, thin, and rectangular from one side and the other side, it is raised and faceted.
- Finial: It consists of small and circular triangular facets. This is hung at the bottom of the chandelier.
- Cut ball: It consists of many triangular facets. Its orb shape looks fascinating to behold.
- French: It is raised and faceted on one side whereas it is flat on the other side.
Hope that you have read the article regarding crystal chandeliers and now you will be able to shop for them easily.
