There's no question that crystal chandeliers are beautiful, exquisite, and so classy. But antique chandeliers seem to have another element. That of timeless elegance and beauty that simply cannot be duplicated in modern styles. And an antique chandelier will look absolutely perfect in your room so why not choose a Bohemian antique crystal chandelier?
Whether you choose to purchase an authentic antique chandelier or a reproduction is entirely up to you. A true authentic chandelier that is in excellent condition with not a lot of restoration can run you upwards of $20,000. If that's more than you're looking to spend you might want to look at quality reproductions.
There were many manufacturers of quality chandeliers especially in England. The King's Chandelier Company is one of those with plenty of history. Originating in England, in 1935 Mr. King opened a small company called King's Antiques and his focus was restoration of chandeliers. However, it didn't take long before he realized that his could create his own beautiful chandeliers for export and thus King's Chandelier Company was born. His company also became the first national mail order chandelier company and today it continues to build quality chandeliers in North Carolina.
Waterford has also been producing beautiful crystal chandeliers for years and is well known for it's prestigious chandelier that is found in the John Field Room at the National Concert Hall. It is the largest chandelier ever designed and it is made up of over 14,000 hand cut pieces of crystal. It's 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide with 32 crystal arms and it weight 1000 pound. Waterford Crystal presented this memorable gift back in 1985. It gives a new meaning to the world chandelier!
But for the home owner who wants to make a décor statement a Bohemian antique crystal chandelier is worth considering. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality crystal around you are looking at some of the most affordable.
Before 1918 the Czech republic was called the Kingdom of Bohemia an area that has been producing exquisite crystal for centuries. In fact they are recognized as one of the best in the world.
Bohemian chandeliers were exported all over Europe and even beyond Europe. The court of the King of France had many of these works of art, as did many of the cathedrals and castles in Europe. Prague, Rome, Paris, and Vienna all were home to a variety of Bohemian chandeliers.
In fact if you rare touring these areas today and come across a grandiose crystal chandelier that simply is beyond words you've come across one of the antique crystal chandeliers.
The Bohemian craftsmanship is rather like no other. It has survived centuries and each generation has passed their talent on to the next generation. Bohemian chandeliers are available in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Their elegant designs are timeless and there is simply nothing more beautiful.
Today Bohemia chandeliers are still produced in the Czech Republic. They are increasingly popular in their own home country but exporting is still a huge part of their market. You'll find these works of art in hotels, churches, centers, cathedrals, and of course in homes.
The Bohemian crystal is a superior quality crystal with an extremely high degree of brilliance and clarity. The quality is very dependant on the composition of the raw materials combined with the technological process and of course that crystal formula is kept trade secret.
Bohemian craftsmen have always had an eye for taking their glass outside the envelope. Since ancient times they've used wonderful colors with their crystal. Colors such as cobalt blue, ruby red, cranberry, light blue, light red, amber, light and dark green, topaz, transparent pink, to name the most popular choices. The key to Bohemian crystal has always been rich intricate designs because the more intricate the more facets there are to reflect the light. And of course the more precise the cuts the more the chandelier is worth.
Today Bohemian crystal follows the traditions of time. That's why their modern chandeliers are just as beautiful as their antique chandeliers. Many of their modern designs also follow traditional lines and they also produce a nice line of reproductions.
Now all that said, there's just something about owning a true antique chandelier that can't be found in a reproduction or even the most beautiful modern piece. Perhaps it's a combination of many things. Product, history, psychology, and that ability to connect with the past.
Now realize that if owning a true antique is really important to you then you must be prepared to get out your checkbook because its going to cost. But it's worth every penny! And with online shopping and a little bit of patience who knows you just may come across a deal of a lifetime. After the entire world market is at your fingertips.
But if you just can't wait for that antique crystal chandelier to appear at the right price you might consider purchasing a reproduction. The price is considerably less and availability is great, and no-ones going to know except for you. That is unless you tell them.
Whether you decide to hunt out an antique crystal chandelier or purchase a reproduction buying Bohemian crystal will ensure you a quality like no other and a product that you can enjoy for a lifetime!
