Your home says a lot about you and the décor you choose says even more. For centuries crystal chandeliers have been an important method of making a statement and dressing ones home in the most elegant fashion. Choosing a crystal chandelier can be a thrill of a lifetime!
So what exactly is crystal? Crystal is a transparent glass with optical purity and a very high degree of brilliance. It's fire and brilliance is a result of the light hitting the prisms and then passing through creating a rainbow effect which is quite simply extra-ordinary!
Crystal is to the home like a diamond is to a woman. It's also graded in a very similar method. The value depends a great deal on the quality, cut, and brilliance, just like with a diamond.
Crystal chandeliers aren't new to the home. In fact they date back to the 16th century when they were adorned with a transparent rock crystal to enhance the power of the candle light.
By the 17th century the Baroque artists had become pros at cutting the rock crystal into intricate prism shapes. Many of which are still used today. During the late 17th century in France the first chandelier prisms were made from transparent glass rather than rock crystal.
The first chandeliers to be manufactured completely from crystal were made in Murano Italy. Murano is an island and it is located just north of Venice. Soon Bohemia, England, Ireland, and Spain were also producing crystal for chandeliers and by the 19th century Schonbek crystal factory had opened in Bohemia and today it is still the leading produce of crystal throughout the world.
Whether you live in a brand new home, an older home, an antique or Victorian home a crystal chandelier can look stunning. Whether your house is small and cozy, medium and comfortable, or large and luxurious it will look great!
And although they look great in a variety of rooms they look stunning in a large grandiose room. You know the type of room fit for royalty! A grand chandelier or even several smaller chandeliers can truly make a statement like no other. In fact a chandelier fills a room and enriches the atmosphere like no other fixture is capable of.
But not to worry if you live in a home that's perhaps not for royalty but rather quaint and cozy you're like most of us and a small crystal chandelier can look awesome in the dining room or kitchen.
There are many crystal manufacturers to choose from such as Murano, Czech crystal, Waterford, or Swarovski to name just a few. And Schonbek still remains the leader in the industry today and one offers an exciting line of chandeliers. Here are a few of the Schonbek favorites.
The Versailles is inspired by the Louis XIV Baroque chandeliers with their exquisite detailing and large size, they don't go unnoticed. Made from French crystal pendelopques you've just got to see this one!
The La Scala is a Rococo style with lots of cast scrolls and ornate arms. It's produced off a 100 year old mold. Just as chandeliers from back then had a variety of crystal harks, this modern version of the 16th century does too! Choose from a variety of different sizes and styles.
The Artifact is based off an antique style and is ever so romantic. Perhaps that's why the original would have been found in courtyards. It's comprised of dainty scroll work and hand cut crystals that include clear, black, and amethyst. It's certain to set the mood and there is no description that is truly fitting. It's simply outstanding!
Florentine is a nostalgic chandelier with an Italian flare. It uses colored crystals, lots of distinguishable Florentine scroll work with French pendeloques and amber droplets. One could say that this chandelier is comparable to a piece of fine estate jewelry. Perhaps the home's idea of jewelry.
The Renaissance is based on styling form the 17th century and King Louis XIV of France. It's fun and dramatic and was a popular design then and it still is now. It features a dramatic crystal spear that is hand cut and simply exquisite surrounded by luminous crystal pendants that are as pure as crystal gets.
The Olde World is a signature Schonbek piece that's design is based of the 19th century Bohemia where Schonbek got its beginnings. It's available in many different sizes and you can also get matching wall sconces. This one is truly a treasure of yesteryear and today.
The Buckingham was inspired by the Spanish Granja chandeliers which were the pride of noble Spanish families. They are huge with oversized rock crystal pendants and exquisite bobeches that are intricately hand carved. Theirs is nothing else quite like it on the market and if you're looking for unique and special this one is worth checking out!
The Kirov has it's influences around in the world including Russia, Spain, and Byzantine. It's whimsical, complimentary, somewhat vintage in styling, and a style that's going to look great in most any room.
The Musee is a small and intricate chandelier with dainty wire work, tiny crystal stars and balls, and wonderful detailing. Every inch of this chandelier deserves the word miniature. And it's inspiration comes from the Empire. Be sure to have a look at this beauty!
The Genesis is a work of art known for it's creative elements, colorful cabochons, and creative energies that are found in the light and color. It can only be described as luminous and it's simply not an ordinary piece. It's a work of art, it's alive with energy, and it's an excellent focal point.
There are many different crystal chandeliers to choose from. Who the maker or where the crystal is from is not nearly as important as choosing the one that's going to look perfect in your room. And there's no better place to find the perfect crystal chandelier than online!
