Nothing makes a room look more elegant than a chandelier. Crystal chandeliers come in different sizes and shapes to match the homeowner’s style. Consider adding a chandelier to the dining room or the foyer. Many years ago, only the rich were able to afford chandeliers. Today, chandeliers are made of different materials and they are very affordable. Homeowners can choose from materials like metal, glass, and deer antlers.
Individuals in the market for a custom made chandelier should visit the website for Designer Chandeliers. The company believes in bringing the consumer an affordable product, modeled after some of the most well-known brands like Baccarat and Murano. People used candles to light their homes in the 1600’s, and a chandelier was a simple object to hold the candles. Mirrors, brass plates and rock crystals were used to spread and reflect the light. Rock crystal (or quartz) was rare, hard to work with and very expensive. People tried using glass, but it was dull and did not reflect well.
In 1676, an English glass-maker, George Ravenscroft, developed a new type of glass resembling rock crystal. Lead oxide was added to the glass during the manufacturing process. The result was a product that was easy to cut and more refractive than rock crystal. The product developed into what is known as lead crystal. Over time, gas lights and electricity replaced chandeliers as a light source. Chandeliers were elevated to an object of beauty and symbol of wealth. In the late 1800’s, Daniel Swarovski began his career in stone cutting. He was inspired by Thomas Edison and invented a machine to cut jewelry stones. He used the machine to make a chandelier, and people said the lead crystal looked flawless. Swarovski’s company is still around today.
The first crystal chandeliers, made entirely of glass, were manufactured in Murano. Murano is an island located north of Venice, Italy. The Venetians took the secrets of their glass-making very seriously. Assassins were sent after artisans who escaped from Murano. Luckily, there’s no drama today if you want a custom made chandelier. Contact Designer Chandeliers, and give your home a classic look.
