Crystal Chandeliers: Home Elegance At Its Best
Article by Wyatt Fisk
Chandeliers have distinct qualities that could make rooms appear vibrant and classy. As they are usually suspended from the ceiling, they could easily capture the attention of visitors coming in your house. Currently, chandeliers can be made from variety of materials ranging from common items like plastic and metals like brass and wrought iron chandeliers, to rare ones like antlers and gemstones. But, chandeliers accented with crystal pieces are probably the most popular ceiling decorations among many homeowners.A crystal is a transparent mineral that looks like ice and is acknowledged for its extreme brilliance and optical purity. The brilliant characteristic of such gemstone comes from the refraction of light that passes through a prism--the same phenomenon that causes rainbow formation. Because of its aesthetic appeal, crystal pieces have long been used since ancient times until today as decorative items like jewelries and contemporary chandeliers. It is also acknowledged for its healing properties.The earliest known crystal chandeliers were used during 16th century and were accented with rock crystal pieces that are irregular in shape. During Baroque period of 17th century, crystal artisans perfected cutting rock crystal pieces for chandeliers, and it was during the later parts of that same period that the first crystal glass chandeliers were made in France. It was in the small island of Murano that the first chandeliers made entirely from crystal glasses were manufactured, and the process eventually spread in nearby countries like Bohemia, England, Spain and Ireland. From here, the designs of crystal pieces used for chandeliers have evolved significantly, allowing them to befit any types of room.Crystal pieces used for contemporary chandeliers could either be hand-cut, machine-cut or hand-molded depending on the type of crystal being used. If you are going to purchase chandeliers made from crystal, it is important for you to know the crystal options you have. This way you won't have trouble ! shopping for chandeliers, since you already have an idea what would best suit your rooms. Below are the types of crystal stones often used for chandeliers along with their descriptions. First in line is the Strass Swarovski crystal from the Austrian Alps which is regarded as the most finest form of crystal and is known for its flawless quality. Crystal chandeliers made from these pieces could either be plain or in fashion colors and are a bit pricey compared to other chandeliers. On the other hand, heritage hand cut crystal pieces, as their name implies, are laboriously hand crafted by artisans through two cutting stages""iron and sandstone wheeling. After the said processes, the crystal is then hand-polished using a wood-wheel sprinkled with marble dust, leaving faint traces of wood wheeling which serves as a mark of authenticity of such crystal.Rock crystal pieces are natural quarts used since times, and usually takes millions of years to form, which gives them their irregular forms. These raw pieces are all cut, grind and polished by hand; hence, a piece would take about a week to be finished. Meanwhile, legacy crystal pieces are manufactured in Venice and instead of cutting they are fire-polished making them more brilliant and luminous, while vintage crystal pieces are just like estate jewelries that goes along with fanciful beading. Generally, crystal chandeliers are truly remarkable as the light they emit are bright and their aesthetic are easy to the eye.
About the AuthorContemporary chandeliers are certainly good decorative pieces due to their ability to draw visual interest. Today, chandeliers may come in a whole range of styles and finishes that could complement any space.
3.8ct Silver PLATINUM Crystals - Siberia
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