Knowing Your Crystal Chandelier Up and Close

Most of these chandeliers are available in multiple finishes, mainly brass and silver finishes. There are companies that offer several collections of chandeliers. Most of these chandeliers are available in multiple finishes, mainly brass and silver finishes. Silver is the classic finish color, reflecting the true color spectrum of the crystal, and works in all interiors. Other finishes are available on some lights, including white, nickel, pewter and many more. Once you've selected the style of chandelier and the finish, you're ready to make the most important decision in the process choosing the crystal. Brass finishes are a more dramatic choice, and a smart match to furniture that has brass hardware.

It is important to choose crystal for your chandeliers; it’s like choosing the best dress for a formal. Choosing the crystal is like choosing a diamond - the price of the chandelier can vary widely based on the quality of the crystal. Here is some information on the crystals that are available from various companies for their chandeliers

Strass Crystal - Strass crystal is characterized by razor-sharp cutting of facets with the lead content in excess of 30 percent. Absolute perfection. Considered the finest crystal in the world, Strass is manufactured by Swarovski AG in the Austrian Alps. Cutting and polishing are done by machine to achieve perfect optical clarity. Strass crystals are treated with an invisible coating, which eliminates dust attraction and makes it easier to clean and maintain. Strass is an optically pure crystal, clear as spring water, totally free of flaws, unique in purity and brilliance.

Swarovski Crystal - A beautiful value, a passion for perfection has made Swarovski the world leader in the production of cut crystal, this crystal type is designed for a crystal connoisseur demanding quality at an affordable price. Swarovski has used advanced technology with old world knowledge to produce a brilliant crystal with precision cutting and superior light reflection.

Majestic Wood Polished Crystal - Each crystal is then polished on a wood wheel with marble dust. These methods go back centuries. If you look closely you will notice faint traces of the wood-wheel attesting to the concentrated labor of the artisan. This is a mark of authenticity. Each piece is a unique and original masterpiece. The choice of traditionalists, our majestic Wood Polished crystal is cut by hand in two stages on an iron and then a sandstone wheel.

Italian Crystal - You will notice a rounding of edges that comes from fire polishing. Molded crystal though never as brilliant as cut crystal, has a subtle charm and is an exceptional value. It is an ideal budget crystal for heavily dressed and/or commercially oriented chandeliers. Venetian heritage, Venetian crystal (from the glass-making regions in and around Venice) is molded, not cut.

Murano Crystal - It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, imaginative form. Each hand blown piece is an original work of art. No two crystals are alike. When color is added, the crystal takes on a whimsical form.

Those are the kind of crystals that you can choose from. It is important to know your crystal because it perfectly defines your crystal chandelier, it’s nice to know something about and be able to differentiate form the other. Remember that it is great to know your own personal stuff rather than just relying to experts.

Jron Magcale