Chandelier crystals are used in a wide variety of modern light fixtures, therefore it’s important for anybody shopping for such an item to become well-versed on the nuances of these crystals. Here you will find the information you need to make the best possible buying decision, taking into account your preferred style, the size of the space, and your budgetary limits. Furthermore, you may wow your loved ones with your newfound knowledge of chandelier bling.
A primer on chandelier crystals and their basic care and installation
A crystal can only form in glass. However, the glass used to create crystal droplet chandelier is quite different from the glass used to make windows, cups, eyeglasses, and so on. Because of the lead oxide contained inside it, crystal has a higher density and more refraction than conventional glass. As a result, the crystal is more brilliant, radiant, and has prismatic behavior.
Lead oxide is a desired component of crystals used to build chandeliers, although it does not pose any risk to the health of consumers. According to the law, the crystal’s ability to reflect light is proportional to the concentration of lead oxide inside it. In general, lead oxide may be broken down into three distinct types:
- Although crystal may be described as clear glass with any percentage of lead oxide according to American standards, crystalline glass is characterised as having between 6% and 10% lead oxide.
- Second, between 24 and 30 percent lead oxide is indicated by a “half lead” designation.
- Third, if the percentage of lead oxide in the material is more than 30 percent, we call it complete lead crystal.
- Chandelier crystals may be made using one of three major methods: machine cutting, hand cutting, or hand blowing.
- Faceting on machine-cut crystals is sharp, polishing is precise, and the crystals sparkle brightly.
Some hand-cut crystals are still crafted using age-old methods, such as cutting with irons and sandstone wheels, then polishing on a wood wheel dusted with marble dust. Although modern methods may be used to make hand-cut crystals, the term “hand-cut” is often used to refer to the traditional method. There are various varieties of hand-cut crystals available.
Crystals have no sharp corners since they are blown by hand by master artisans rather than cut. The mouth-blown pieces are really one-of-a-kind works of art in their own right, worthy of being passed down down the generations.
Chandelier crystals come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes
Now that you know about the three main methods for manufacturing crystals, here are some different types of crystal that you could come across while shopping for chandeliers.
The site has a helpful guide to rock crystal chandeliers
Chandeliers made of crystal first appeared in the 16th century, replacing wax candles as the preferred method of illuminating a room. The earliest crystal chandeliers, which date back to the Schonbek Renaissance, were made with rock crystals and may be seen in this room. The only places you’re likely to find a genuine rock crystal chandelier these days are in museums and castles. The uniqueness of rock crystals stems from the fact that each one was generated by a separate set of geological events over millions of years, making them as old as the planet itself. Gem cutters must dig, cut, and polish rock crystals, which are natural material that feel cool to the touch.