Crystal Chandeliers

Nothing comes close to the majesty and grace of a large traditional multi armed crystal chandelier. Choose from a range of satin brass, polished brass, chrome or all crystal chandleiers. The atmosphere on entering a room is transformed wherever crystal chandeliers are used.

All chandeliers are simply a multi armed ceiling light, usually a pendant although there are flush and semi flush fitting chandeliers available for use in rooms with lower ceilings. The amount of light arms on a traditional chandelier usually range from 3 to as many as 36 for a very large chandelier.

Once chandelier crystal is added, it is completely transformed and becomes a stunning light feature. In addition, crystal is considered by many to bring good luck. Whilst this may just be superstition, there is no question that a crystal chandelier is by far the most stunning type of home lighting available.

A crystal chandelier is made using a strong frame housing the light bulbs or light arms, decorated with cut crystal. The chandelier frame needs to be strong as lead crystal is very heavy. When the chandelier is lit, the crystals refract the light produced and spread the whole light spectrum into your room.

Lead crystal has been around for a long time and is greatly prized for it’s lighting properties. Examples of Egyptian leaded glass have been found dating back 3000 years. By the 12^th century, the Egyptians were producing very high quality lead crystal. Today, Egypt produces nearly 80% of all lead crystal with some of the highest quality crystal still being produced there.

Lead crystal is basically molten sand mixed with lead. The sand makes glass whilst the lead adds the sparkle that we associate with lead crystal glass. The more lead that is added to the mix, the higher the quality of the crystal. It is widely recognised that 24% lead content and over gives the best quality crystal. Once produced the crystals are then faceted like a diamond so that they maximise the rainbow effect that the light produces when it shines through.

Louis XIV is believed to be the first person to use a crystal chandelier in his palace at Versailles in the 14^th century. He commissioned the first large drop chandeliers made from solid gold surrounded by masses of heavy lead crystal.

The weight of a crystal ceiling light can be considerable. Higher quality chandelier crystal is considerably heavier that crystal of a lower quality. On larger crystal chandeliers, the crystal can account for 75% of the total weight of the fitting, amounting to 60Kg or more. Our largest contemporary crystal chandelier weighs in at 70Kg.

We supply many styles and finishes of crystal chandelier of a size and price to suite everyone, so it is very easy to install a crystal chandelier in almost any room. Fortunately they no longer need to be made from solid gold. Modern manufacturing techniques mean that they are now available in almost any finish imaginable.

There is a full article in our lighting information pages that explains how to clean crystal light fittings.

Crystal Chandeliers

Crystal Chandelier Lighting

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