Light Conversation

Should My Crystal Chandelier Be Silver or Brass? 0

One of the harder things for our customers to decide on is which metal finish to use on their crystal chandelier.  We've always offered 2 standard finishes: Shiny nickel or shiny brass.  However, with patience and a little extra payment, we can have the few metal pieces plated in other colors.  

But, back to the original question: how do you decide which?  I think of it like I would a diamond ring in a setting.  If you choose a silver colored setting (silver, platinum, white gold), the stone's brilliance is enhanced by the less obtrusive metal color.  The silver tones blend into the sparkle of the diamond.  If you choose gold, then there is a bit of a contrast between the setting and the stone, making the framework part of the show.

Similarly, a crystal in a framework of silver (chrome or nickel, shiny or not) has nothing to get in the way of the sparkle.  You see more of the pieces of crystal than you do the body of the chandelier.  A gold framework, glows through the crystal, separating it a bit visually and making it a bit warmer.

Choosing a bronze would have a similar impact as the gold - enhancing more of the framework.  Depending upon the type of chandelier, this may make a crystal chandelier look aged.  

There is no particular reason to choose one over the other, though people think of the using a gold framework if they have a large gold mirror that will be reflecting the chandelier; however, the silver will work in such a situation.

Our best advice is to go with whichever color you like the look of.

Miniature Room Glitter 0

Who else is obsessed with miniatures?  I've never lost my childhood love of them - tiny little bits of furniture, rugs, accessories.  Every time I visit Chicago, I stop by the Art Institute to spend time in the Thorne Miniature Rooms. As I pass by each room, studying the elements, I'm so impressed by the accuracy and attention to detail which the craftspeople brought to each scene.  

Of course, I'm thrilled at the number of crystal chandeliers displayed in these rooms representing various periods in American and British design. Looking at the photos, you can almost place yourself in the room like it is a real room.

Last year during a little trip to Winchester, Va, we stopped into the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley which has a very impressive collection of miniatures in the R. Lee Taylor Miniatures Collection.  This collection was a lovely surprise and also full of miniature chandeliers.

Both of these collections are room after room filled with lovely little crystal chandeliers.  I wish I could have met the folks that crafted these beauties. 

Twice I've been able to tour Windsor and spend time raptly staring at Queen Mary's Dolls' House with mini Waterford chandeliers.  Each time I wish I could walk through those little rooms.

I'd love to hear of more miniature treasures and even add them to this page.  Send us an email at crystal@chandelier.com if you want to share yours.  

-Nancy

Modern Spaces and Crystal Chandeliers 0

We just received these lovely photos from one of our favorite customers .  

This chandelier in the photo is a variation of our larger tier, the 144/8 with Swarovski crystal - we've made it even larger to fill the space of the picture window in this beautiful contemporary foyer.

We are so happy with the result and glad our customer is happy as well.

Tools of the Trade - Drying Racks 0

What is the best way to dry the crystal strands from your chandelier?

Admittedly, we were slow to catch on to this one, but our resident smart person, Brenda, finally thought to buy a laundry rack to dry those long strands from the larger chandeliers.  

Works like a charm!

Restoration Files - Fun Silver 0

How fun is this little guy?!  Beautiful silver and plumes on this Art Deco style chandelier.  The center columns were glass and the shades were beautiful! So much so that we asked the customers to keep them safely at their home rather than risk them traveling.

Before:

After (with the shades safely with the customer): 

Tools of the Trade - Cutting Pliers 0

When cutting pins out of chandelier crystals, the easiest tool to use is a pair of small cutting pliers.  The smaller the edges, the faster you can clip.  

These are available in the tool section of most hardware stores, but I find the smaller ones in jewelry making departments of hobby stores to be a bit easier to manipulate.  

-Nancy