A Guide to Chandelier Crystal
To the average viewer, most crystal chandeliers look the same: pretty, old-fashioned, and expensive. But the quality of the crystal involved in a chandelier’s construction actually varies depending on where it was made, and each different type of cut crystal glass has a unique feel all it’s own. If you’re considering installing a chandelier in your house or place of business, choosing the right type of crystal may be the difference between a gaudy, awkward centerpiece and a vision of timeless grace.
Strass Crystal
Produced by the Swarovski crystal company using a generations-old secret production method (how cool is that?), Strass cut chandelier crystal is generally considered the finest in the world. A clear optical coating is applied to protect the brilliance and clarity of the crystal, and each is individually etched with the Swarovski logo as a mark of authenticity.
Gemcut Crystal
This type of chandelier crystal is sometimes known as Egyptian or Moroccan crystal, and is characterized by a particularly brilliant cut and clarity. While not as fine as Swarovski crystal, gemcut cut glass crystals still far exceed industry standards. They can be a gorgeous choice for more modern chandelier lighting, as they are very bright. Gemcut crystal is machine-produced, but is still an elegant lighting solution.
Handcut Heritage Crystal
Also called Turkish crystal, this type of cut crystal chandelier glass is hand-cut using a two-part process with iron and sandstone grinding wheels, and hand-finished using a wooden wheel and marble dust. Sometimes traces of the wood can be found on finished crystals, which is considered proof of authenticity. Anyone with an interest in older crystal production techniques should consider this type of chandelier glass.
Legacy Crystal
For a real old-world chandelier lighting effect, opt for a Venetian legacy crystal chandelier. These pieces are molded and fire-polished rather than cut, resulting in a soft, beautiful luminous effect that simply cannot be matched by other types of chandelier glass. Ballrooms and sophisticated, subtle dining settings will benefit from Venetian crystal chandeliers.
If you’ve been considering the addition of a chandelier, make sure you take these different types of crystal into account when making your choice. What type of effect do you want to create? A brassy, sassy dance floor will require something totally different from an intimate dining experience – don’t make the mistake of thinking that every crystal chandelier is the same! And whatever you do, don’t opt for cheap, machine-cut glass that’s been mass-produced in factory settings – it may be less expensive, but you’ll regret your decision every time you turn on the lights.
About the Author
Ara Hovsepian is a lighting expert with a particular interest in cut crystal, which he has indulged on several occasions by visiting the workplaces of Venetian and Turkish craftsmen. For more advice on crystal chandelier selection, or to read about his travel experiences, visit www.crystalchandelierselection.com.
Good Old-Fashioned Crystal Meth
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Edinburgh Crystal – Glencoe – Old Fashioned Whisky Glasses – Set of 6 £59.99 |
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Bronze owl night bird old fashion long chain necklace swarovski crystal gift £0.99 |
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NEW – CONCERTO CAPRI CRYSTAL – ITALIAN CRYSTAL SET OF 4 OLD FASHIONED TUMBLERS £39.99 |
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Old fashion gem rhinestone crystal bloom floral bronze hair clip lady bobby piin £0.99 |
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Waterford Snowflake Wishes 2011 Wishes for Joy Lismore Double Old Fashioned £39.99 |
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WATERFORD CRYSTAL PAIR OF LISMORE OLD FASHIONED 12oz TUMBLER £24.99 |
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6 Leadcrystal BLEIKRISTALL Old Fashioned Lu / GLASSES £39.99 |
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Old fashion lady hair ornament gem flower floral hair clip rhinestone crystals £4.50 |
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WATERFORD CRYSTAL BOYNE 9OZ OLD FASHIONED TUMBLERS £35.00 |
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Big Old-fashioned Cassette Player Double Ring Silver Burnished Size Adjustable £8.25 |
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WATERFORD Crystal ALANA Cut 9oz Old Fashioned Tumblers £37.50 |
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DARTINGTON CRYSTAL 2 X BYRON OLD FASHIONED GLASSES – UNUSED £5.99 |
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DARTINGTON CRYSTAL 2 X BYRON OLD FASHIONED GLASSES – UNUSED £5.99 |
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DARTINGTON CRYSTAL 2 X BYRON OLD FASHIONED GLASSES – UNUSED £5.99 |
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PAIR OF STUART CRYSTAL TITANIC DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED GLASS TUMBLERS IN BOX £39.99 |
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ROYAL SCOT CRYSTAL LONDON LARGE OLD FASHIONED TUMBLER x 6 NEW PRESENTATION BOXED £85.00 |
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ROYAL SCOT CRYSTAL LONDON LARGE OLD FASHIONED TUMBLER x 2 NEW PRESENTATION BOXED £35.00 |
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3 Crystal Old Fashion Glasses – Etched Mark Lion wearing a Crown 4″ high £9.48 |
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Stuart Crystal ‘Kent’ Old Fashioned Glass Tumbler x 2 £34.99 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal IONA Cut Old Fashioned Tumblers £22.50 |
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MARQUIS by WATERFORD CRYSTAL BOXED SET 4 ‘DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED’ GLASS TUMBLERS £0.99 |
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Vintage Boxed Cristal D’argues Langchamps Old Fashioned Whisky Tumblers x 6 32cl £30.00 |
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Edinburgh Crystal ROMEO Whisky Glass/glasses old fashioned 3 1/4″ £17.95 |
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ROYAL DOULTON JUNO OLD FASHIONED TUMBLERS £13.50 |
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New Old Fashion Bling Clear Crystal Party Evening Women Brooch Pin Breastpin £2.20 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal SKYE Cut OLD FASHIONED Tumbler Glass £34.50 |
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ROYAL SCOT CRYSTAL ROYAL WEDDING 22CT OLD FASHIONED GOLD CREST TUMBLER £12.50 |
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PAIR OF BOXED STUART CRYSTAL “CHELTENHAM” DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED LARGE RUMMERS £25.00 |
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OLD PHOTO CDV NEGRETTI ZAMBRA SYDENHAM CRYSTAL PALACE WOMAN FASHION BUSTLE £3.09 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal – STAR of EDINBURGH – Old Fashioned Tumbler / Tumblers -3 1/4″ £27.50 |
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ENGLISH CRYSTAL – GENEROUS 3½” TUMBLER / OLD FASHIONED £12.50 |
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FLOWER OF SCOTLAND ROYAL SCOT 4 OLD FASHIONED TUMBLERS £52.50 |
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Nice Peafowl peacock old fashion bronze hair clip bobby pin swarovski crystal £4.50 |
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Tyrone Crystal Antrim Old Fashion Bowl £31.00 |
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ST LOUIS Crystal – TOMMY Cut – Old Fashioned Whisky Tumbler Glass – 3 1/2″ £59.50 |
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Waterford Crystal Comeragh Old Fashioned Tumbler Glass – More than 1 available £32.50 |
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3x three owl bird old fashion bronze long chain necklace swarovski crystals NEW £6.20 |
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Gift for old fashion bronze owl bird chain necklace Swarovski crystal £3.20 |
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DARTINGTON CRYSTAL ROYAL BRIERLEY CARNIVAL PAIR OLD FASHIONED GLASSES NEW BOXED £17.99 |
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STUART CRYSTAL GLASS ~ CARLINGFORD OLD FASHIONED WHISKY GLASS ( 370grms) £27.50 |
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A STUART CRYSTAL ‘CHELTENHAM’ DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED WHISKEY TUMBLER £24.99 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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Old Fashion Bling Crystal Rhinestone Vintage Peacock Hair Clip Barrette Jewelry £3.60 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal KELSO Cut OLD FASHIONED Tumblers – 1st Quality £16.50 |
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Edinburgh Crystal AILSA Whisky Glass/glasses old fashioned 3 1/4″ £14.95 |
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Royal Brierley FUCHSIA Old Fashioned Whisky 3″ Glass/glasses £27.50 |
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Old-fashioned pink peacock peafowl bronze hair clip swarovski crystal new SH0009 £2.59 |
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ORANGE CRYSTALS OLD FASHIONED RETRO SHERBET SWEETS 200G £1.69 |
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100G OLD FASHION LEMON CRYSTALS SHERBET DOBSONS £0.99 |
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500 grms Khali Bubblegum Crystals old fashioned sweets £5.75 |
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Edinburgh Crystal KELSO Whisky Glass/glasses old fashioned 3 1/4″ £13.95 |
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900G OLD FASHION LEMON CRYSTALS SHERBET DOBSONS £6.00 |
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STUART CRYSTAL – SANDRINGHAM – OLD FASHIONED WHISKY GLASS £9.99 |
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EDINBURGH CRYSTAL – APPIN – OLD FASHIONED WHISKY GLASS £9.99 |
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Brown gems swarovski crystal old-fashioned bronze hair banana clip party SH0273 £2.59 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal – DUET Cut – Old-Fashioned size TUMBLER Glasses £22.50 |
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Dartington Crystal Dimple Double Old Fashioned Tumbler (Pair) £34.46 These beautiful Dimple crystal tumblers by Dartington were designed by Frank Thrower an icon of 20th century product design. The simple and effortless style has made them a classic in the Dartington collection yet they look as contemporary today as they did when first designed.The Double Old Fashioned Tumblers are made from 24% lead crystal. They stand at 96mm and hold 37cl perfect for your favour… |
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Dartington Crystal London 2012 Union Flag Emblem Old Fashioned, Pack of 4 £10.00 Dartington London 2012 Olympics – Union Flag Emblem Tumbler Four Set London 2012 Union Flag Tumblers, frosted glass with the London 2012 Emblem these glass tumblers make for a great multi-purpose glass and an Olympic souvenir to cherish. The emblem is in Union Jack colours on the front and a white outlined emblem to the rear. (OP2610/3/4PK) Set of 4 London 2012 Union Flag Tumblers, frosted … |
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Dartington Crystal Dimple Old Fashioned Tumbler (Pair) £34.46 These beautiful Dimple crystal tumblers by Dartington were designed by Frank Thrower an icon of 20th century product design. The simple and effortless style has made them a classic in the Dartington collection yet they look as contemporary today as they did when first designed. The Old Fashioned Tumblers are made from 24% lead crystal. They stand at 88mm and hold 25cl perfect for your favourite wh… |
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Rainbow Crystals – 3.17Kg Jar £11.99 Tilley’s Rainbow Crystals are made just the way they used to be. Just dip your finger into this big jar of fruit flavoured sherbet crystals and you’ll see what we mean – 3.17 Kg Jar… |
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Old Fashioned Christmas £13.96 … |
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Special Complete Build Your Own Crystal Radio Kit £12.99 A complete kit that includes all of the components required to make a working crystal radio – a sturdy mounting board and all of the vital components to make a working radio which requires no batteries or AC power supply. Clear instructions and diagrams are included. In its retail packaging, weighs 135g…. |