Crystal chandelier: the complete guide in 5 steps, to know everything about this exceptional object.

May 15, 2017

Have you ever wondered how to recognize a crystal chandelier?

Today, chandeliers are becoming more and more fashionable again, in order to have a chic interior. A light fixture being a major decorative element is often the first thing we notice when we enter a room.

But what makes this one Baccarat , Bohemian or Murano ?

What allows you to determine its quality?

Why do you find chandeliers at a very attractive price when you look on the internet, while a chandelier made in a renowned crystal factory will be 10 times more expensive?

I know you want to know.

An example: when you see a majestic chandelier , you wonder what it is.

This piques your curiosity and that's normal.

But deep down you don't really know how to determine whether it is truly exceptional, rare or basic.

It's always intriguing.

By the end of this article, when you see a chandelier, you will be able to analyze: its style, its origin, how it was made and if it has value.

You are probably thinking that this must be difficult because you do not have the knowledge that a crystal maker who has been immersed in crystal for 40 years might have.

Honestly, it takes a bit of experience. But it's not that complicated, and you don't get anything for nothing.

And then when you are passionate it is so nice to know even more things and to be able to share them.

So let's go!!!

It all starts with chandelier styles.

Step 1: The different styles of chandelier .

There are 5 main styles.

Chandeliers can take many forms.

There are some very rich ones for which goldsmiths and crystal makers have competed in ingenuity to invent their decorations.

Let’s start with the Marie-Thérèse style.

Okay, I know it sounds a bit old-fashioned as a name. But it is one of the oldest and most well-known styles.

Does this mean nothing to you?

So I'm going to explain to you the story of Queen Maria Theresa.

It was around 1730 in Austria that we saw the appearance of the first Maria Theresa chandeliers, whose pendants (the pieces hanging from the chandelier which are the particularity of the Maria Theresa style) were made from Bohemian crystal.

At that time, Maria Theresa of Austria was to succeed Charles III as Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. She marked her reign with her elegance.

The Marie-Thérèse chandelier is now back in fashion and can be found in the lobbies of starred hotels in beautiful residences or prestigious restaurants.

These chandeliers have the particularity of having a brass structure covered on both sides with crystal flanges.

Here is a picture of a Marie-Thérèse style chandelier that we made:

After this very elegant and refined style we have the Venetian style which is part of the same register.

A style that can easily be mixed with modern, being very colorful and flowery.

As you can imagine, this word comes from Venice . Just opposite it is the island of Murano . Which we all know at least by name.

I advise you to go there, it's very beautiful.

This is where the Venetian style was created.

It is very easy to recognize it because the chandeliers are colored.

Very often they are decorated with crystal stems at the end of which a Murano glass tulip or daisy will be placed.

The general characteristic of these lights is often the combination of various colours, such as red, green, blue, often with small touches of gold or silver colours mixed directly into the glass.

Here is an example photo of a typical Murano chandelier that we installed at a client's house:

Wondering how Artisan du Cristal makes Murano -style chandeliers when he's not in Venice?

During his partnership, Valery Klein traveled for 7 years through all the major crystal factories in Europe , including Murano . This is why it is possible to order a chandelier of this type from us.

Let's move on to the hot air balloon style.

Original as a name but it defines the shape of the chandelier well.

Shaped like an inverted hot air balloon: narrow at the top, widening as it descends to form a cavity for holding candles or bulbs, and ending in a half-sphere towards the bottom.

If you like the classic style. This is really a very chic chandelier. It will immediately give a lot of character to your interior.

When equipped with diamond-cut tassels, the brightness of the bulbs passing through it will break down the spectrum of light, to restore all the colors of the rainbow.

Here is an example of a hot air balloon chandelier that we have installed in clients' homes:

Chandelier that you will find on our blog in our article: “Examples of Chandeliers manufactured and installed by Artisan du Cristal.”

Now I'm going to show you a style that is very difficult to achieve : blown arm chandeliers .

These chandeliers are truly incredible because their arms are transparent, entirely blown in crystal. This gives them an even more spectacular effect of luminosity and transparency.

Here is a picture of a blown arm chandelier.

You will notice that there are no metal parts in the arms. The only thing visible is the electrical wire that runs inside it.

This characteristic gives them an absolutely unrivaled cachet and finesse.

To finish the last style: the Ceiling Light.

More and more fashionable in individual housing.

The ceiling light is a lighting system fixed to the ceiling . It is never suspended, unlike the traditional chandelier.

If you can determine the type of a chandelier but not its origin, you will never be able to determine more or less its value.

It is clear that determining the origin will be more difficult than the style. Because it cannot be seen at a glance.

Nothing is simple, it would be too beautiful.

If you have read my article: “ Crystal Glass Tips: 7 Simple Steps to Recognizing Quality Crystal Every Time. ”

In step 1 of this article I talk to you about the stamp.

In other words, the signature.

This confirms the value of a piece. Because a chandelier can strongly resemble a Baccarat for example. But not be signed.

However, if it is an unsigned object, it loses its value.

Finally, I'm not going to repeat all this to you. I'll let you redirect yourself to the article for more information.

Let's get back to our sheep.

There are 3 main origins for crystal chandeliers.

Step 2: The different origins of crystal chandeliers.

Are you wondering what origin means, and what will allow you to recognize it?

Don't worry, it's simple.

The origin is simply the house where the chandelier comes from.

There are 3 main ones: Baccarat , Bohemian and Murano .

I will explain to you how to recognize them.

You will be able to impress your loved ones.

Let’s start with Baccarat :

You all know this great house that has been very famous for decades. It has managed to maintain the classic side while bringing modernity. If you see a chandelier entirely in white crystal with blown arms, it is a Baccarat .

Another special feature of these chandeliers is the daggers, they have a particular shape.

In most cases the signature is found on one of the crystal pieces or on the metal plate on which the arms are fixed.

Here is a picture to enlighten you ;) :

Let's talk about chandeliers of Bohemian origin.

We have already spoken above with “Miss” Marie-Thérèse.

So as you understood the Bohemian origin is the oldest of all.

From 1724 onwards, chandeliers made entirely of glass were produced in Bohemia based on an English model.

Similar types later began to be manufactured in Belgium and Italy.

Well, all these explanations are well and good, but that's not what will allow you to recognize him.

So let's get back to basics.

Very often the trim (the tassels) is a little more coarse and very ornate.

Very often the cups or certain parts of the chandelier are mechanically manufactured (cast). This type of work can easily be distinguished by the fact that these parts will be less clear and the cutting angles much less sharp.

Above I was talking about Italy.

Hence the third origin: Murano (Venetian style)

Murano glass is renowned throughout the world for its colouring and its particular elaboration and makes the reputation of the glassworks of Venice .

A Murano glass chandelier is very easily identifiable by its style and colors. A very busy, flowery and colorful style. Very often the bulbs of the chandeliers are topped with tulips.

Of course, as you can imagine, this origin is linked to the Venetian style that I presented to you above.

Step number 3: The different manufacturing methods.

I talked about the need to know the style and origin of the crystal.

You will tell me: all that is very good, but it is not enough.

And you are right.

Because you also need to know the manufacturing processes.

As you understand everything is connected.

The style is found in the origin.

If you know the manufacturing techniques, you will be able to analyze any chandelier even more easily.

In any case, the manufacturing methods are linked to the rest.

Everything overlaps.

And yes, nothing is simple. It still requires a lot of knowledge. But it's worth it, because you will be experts.

There are 4 types of manufacturing:

-Hand-made, mouth-blown, hand-cut : these are the pieces that are made in the greatest tradition of crystal makers, entirely made by hand from start to finish.

- Murano glass manufacturing : Murano glass creations are always quite characteristic with very colorful lights, often decorated with scrolls or multi-colored flowers as well as tulips surrounding the bulbs.

- Mechanical manufacturing or Bohemian crystal : the pieces are therefore molded and mounted as is on the light fixtures, which is the most basic technique. Or it is also possible after molding to recut the piece in order to give it a shine and an appearance close to hand-cut mouth-blown glass, for a lower cost price.

Now that you know how to recognize a chandelier , I will teach you how to estimate it.

Step 4: How to estimate your light fixture?

In your opinion, what is the best way to estimate a chandelier?

By observing how it is made, and with what materials?

You are right.

To begin with it depends on whether it is handmade, mouth blown, hand cut or machine made.

- The quality of the metals and their finish is also very important.

It is important to observe carefully whether they are well prepared, well treated and protected by a film which will allow them to age better (a colourless varnish applied hot, called thermolacage is the most effective process.

- The size of the chandelier also matters. The bigger it is, the more bulbs it will have: the more expensive it will be.

- Finally, look at what the bobeche covers are made of: opaline, plastic, or cardboard.

Opaline will be the most expensive because it is unalterable (it is tinted glass).

You may be wondering what bobeche sleeves mean.

Here is a photo example:

These are the slightly smoky white tubes that surround the bulb socket.

To complete your training as a great chandelier specialist, you need to know how to maintain and renovate it.

Step 5: How to maintain and renovate a chandelier?

Well, I'm not going to repeat what I already explained to you in step 3 of my article: "How to clean crystal effectively: 5 tips to stop worrying."

But it is important to emphasize that like any object, regular maintenance will allow you to preserve your light fixture and your capital.