Crystal Chandeliers and Art Glass Fixtures: Why we love them!

As a traveler from the West, it might seem strange to travel all the way to Japan and include a visit to a Glass Museum featuring Venetian and Murano glass and crystal from Italy. However, like so many other museum visitors, an appreciation and attraction to sparkling luminescence and colorful display warrants the price of admission.

For over 1000 years some of the worlds' best glass makers have been making Murano glass. Passed down from master to apprentice Murano glass designed in chandeliers and light fixtures can include: clear and colored crystals, finely cut glass shaped into flowers, and marbleized, frosted, gold and silver glass shades. Some of the top lighting manufactures including: James Moder, ELK and Kalco incorporate Murano glass in a number of chandeliers and pendant fixtures. For contemporary lighting, ELK has a wonderful selection of colored glass pendants. Another manufacturer and line to check out is Shonbek's Geometrix. This lighting line by Schonbek marries the beauty of crystal with architectural detailing that is exquisite and delicate, like finding a treasure. http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com/schonbek-crystal-chandelier.htm

And while the inclusion of colored glass crystal in lighting is nothing new, it is certainly growing. Just like the fascination with stained glass lighting as witnessed for over a century with reproduction Tiffany lighting, people continue to enjoy the decorative effects of colorful glass patterned lamp shades. Collections like the above mentioned Shonbek Geometrix, include appeal for both modern lighting design and sparkling color intermixed in the fixture.

If you wonder where all this is going - well, it's not going away. If you love colorful illumination - Swarovski crystal, Murano glass, and colorful glass fixtures keep checking the collections of your favorite designers, or, new designers. They're sure to keep surprising you with some real lighting gems!

Nicole Martins is a contributing writer and researcher to Chandeliers and Home Lighting, providing you information and reviews of popular selling lighting fixtures. You can visit this site at http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com