Evolution of Crystal Chandelier Lighting

Crystal chandeliers establish atmosphere in building interiors. This fact holds true today as it did a thousand years ago. People started ornamenting their light sources with crystals from very early on. Initially, crystals are installed on lighting elements for primarily practical reasons. Crystals possess a high degree of reflection and refraction, which gave them a high optical capability of scattering light to a wider area inside a room. But it did not take long before crystals had evolved into an essential ornamental component?the birth of crystal chandeliers. Each historical era has contributed a unique rationale or perspective behind the design concepts of the crystal chandeliers that we witness today. Chinese culture was perhaps one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in human history. Crystal chandelier designs in this era are classified as ?Oriental style.? Original forms of this style of crystal chandeliers can be traced back to the year 1150 A.D., which provided a large intensity of inspiration to European designers. An Oriental style chandelier is characterized by flamboyant built lavished with extravagant fringes.

The Renaissance era contributed the ?rebirth? of ancient Roman architectural concepts, which sprouted from Florence in Italy in 1400?s. Notable examples of Renaissance crystal chandeliers can be seen today at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Doges? palace in Venice. Original renaissance-style chandelier designs initiated the use of ?crystal candles with replicas of buds and curving arms.?

The year 1600 marked the beginning of the Baroque era. Famous painters that emerged during the Baroque period include Rubens and Rembrandt. Baroque architecture is distinctively expansive, attempting to open up space to infinity. The Baroque designs are derived from the richness that flourished during the Baroque epoch. These expansive ephemeral concepts developed during the Baroque resonate through time and is probably the reason that it still has a commanding influence on modern day designs of crystal chandeliers and lighting fixtures.

The Regency epoch is the name given to a brief period between 1800 and 1830 that witnessed the rise of the Bourgeoisie or the ?middle class? in Europe. Regency chandeliers are exhibited in middle-class salons, demonstrating the power of the budding Bourgeoisie class. Regency chandelier designs feature ostentatious and massive, and fragile linear ensembles as well.

The Victorian epoch prospered in England from 1840 to 1870, a period when Europe was engaged in historicism. Victorian crystal chandeliers are characteristically heavy, and have illuminated the most magnificent houses of the world.

Developed in central Europe at the turn of the century, Art Nouveau produced the exhibition pavilion fro the Viennese Succession as well as the Metro entrances that align on underground passage to Paris. Art Nouveau crystal chandeliers are distinguished by the consistent use of floral ornaments.

The period of Modernism emphasize reason and abstraction as the primary values in Modern Art. The influence of this period is manifest in linear and functional architectural designs that persist until the present. Two of the founding institutions of Modernism, Gropius and Kandinsky, have established the prevalent concepts of today?s crystal chandelier designs.

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Strass Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers - Elegance Into Your Home

The beauty of crystal chandeliers is irrefutable. Difficult it is to deny the aesthetic value these objects bring into home and building interiors. Crystal chandeliers are interior conversation pieces that have been enchanting visual senses way back from the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one type of crystal stands above the rest?the Strass crystal, which is manufactured by Swarovski. The Strass crystal is considerably world-renowned as the finest crystal human kind has ever laid eyes on. From its raw form, the crystal is machine cut and then hand polished. An invisible optical layer coated on the surface of the crystal gives that glittering effect. Strass Swarovski crystals are used annually in the design of the inimitable Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. The eye-catching crystal chandelier designs based on the Strass Swarovski have been commenced in 2002, the most recent presentation of which occurred in April 2006. Several designers from around the world have brought to fruition crystal chandeliers anyone can only dream about before. Modern-day chandelier designer Ferrucio Laviani exhibited the chandelier he dubbed as ?Yoga? in 2005, for which he brought together a hundred crystals of assorted pastel shades and enclosed them in an exquisitely shaped gold frame. The shape of resembles that of a standard children?s top. A toy it may seem but this chandelier is certainly not one toy you would want your children to tinker around with. This crystal chandelier is illuminated by halogen bulbs that emit off a soothing and spellbound glow mixture of colors and crystal texture.

Chris Levine was the brains behind the ?Vertigo crystal chandelier design. Levine?s masterpiece projects the visual effect of old-style chandeliers, just like those one might spot in ballrooms. The unique thing about ?Vertigo? is that it is illumined by laser lights throughout the crystal arrays. The end result is a distinctive visual display that is only possible with Strass Swarovski crystals.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke worked in tandem to design ?Science & Fiction? in 2006. This crystal chandelier?s shape was guided by the Marie-Therese design, identified with the 18th century Austrian Empress. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is distinguished for its elaborate candle arms, and the concept behind ?Science & Fiction? serves as a reverence to such an age-old standard. The chandelier consists of 111 crystals, and completed by 32 lit black candles.

Gaetano Pesce introduced the ?Mediterraneo? in 2006. The unique design of this crystal chandelier is inspired from traditional old world chandelier. The chandelier is made up of 140 crystal strands, with each one comprising 87 Swarovski crystals illumined by light-emitting diodes that alter the color of the design. ?Mediterraneo? also gives off certain calming smells, and features shape shifting before the eyes of a viewer.

The radical features displayed by these crystal chandelier designs are evident of a modern transformation in the genre of chandelier motifs. The days of ?run-of-the-mill? chandeliers are definitely archaic and modern chandeliers offer a fresh look. As designers carry on experimenting with the aesthetic elements that crystals bestow, the general appearance of chandeliers in the market today will definitely bear a resemblance to any of the crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, an increasing number of people are guaranteed to discover the beauty that crystal chandeliers would impart to their respective home interiors.

Earl Juanico www.goldenageusa.com

Chandeliers ? Size Does Matter!

When many of us think of the chandelier, we imagine ?The Sound of Music? or some similar Hollywood picture featuring grand ballrooms illuminated by some elaborate and massive chandelier. You know the type?crystal for days and so many bulbs that you find yourself wondering how much it might cost to power that monstrosity for a month. But, when you remember the size of the room these ?Hollywood? chandeliers must illuminate, the light fixture actually seems appropriate. This is precisely as it should be because the size of a chandelier is relative to the room in which they are used.

Chandeliers are natural focal points of any d?cor so there is no need to buy a massive one that requires additional ceiling supports in order to hang. When you purchase an over-sized chandelier, the effect may actually cheapen the d?cor and make it seem gaudy or contrived. Remember, chandeliers convey a subtle grace and elegance. This effect is lost when you have a massive chandelier illuminating a small room. The idea is for the chandelier to naturally draw attention without becoming that mole on your aunt?s face that you just can?t seem to stop staring at.

Similarly, you certainly don?t want to buy a tiny chandelier for a grand dining room. Undersized chandeliers send the message that you ran a little short on your lighting budget and will forever look awkward and out-of-place. However, it is quite common to see tiny chandeliers in homes for the simple reason that they are some of the most expensive lighting fixtures available for homeowners to choose. But if you do have your heart set on a chandelier, how do you choose one that is sized correctly?

Many people choose to mount their chandelier above the dining room table. The dining room is a more formal area and is well-suited for chandeliers. The diameter of the chandelier is based upon the width of the dining room table. This is calculated by taking subtracting twelve inches from the total width of the dining room table. The height that the chandelier should be mounted at for rooms with 9 foot ceilings is roughly 30-33 inches from the top of the dining room table. When the ceiling is above 9 feet tall, the chandelier should hang 3 inches more (add 3 inches to the 30-33 inches figure for every foot above 9 feet) above the table for every foot. So, for a twelve foot ceiling, the chandelier should be 39-42 inches above the dining room table.

When not using the chandelier in the dining room, the size is determined by the room dimensions. There are two basic ways to calculate the diameter of a chandelier using room dimensions. In the first, the diameter is calculated by multiplying 2 inches by the total width of the room in feet. A width of 12 feet would require a chandelier with a diameter of 24 inches.

The other method is to add the dimensions of the room and convert into inches. In other words, a 10?X12? room would have a chandelier with a diameter of 22 inches. Some judgment will be necessary but a good rule of thumb is that it is best to err on the small side when you have more elaborate and traditional chandeliers and to go a little large on more modern chandeliers.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.barnesandwagner.com. Her store offers a complete product line of indoor lighting such as Light Fixtures and Chandeliers, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style.

Shopping For The Best Chandelier For Your Home

What a good idea! You now decided to add an excellent look and beauty of a chandelier in your home.

Now, you have to choose which chandelier will be the right one for you. It can be a crystal, rustic, contemporary and so on. There are a lot of different chandeliers, there are chandeliers that are expensive and there affordable ones. It really depends on the styles, on the materials use, on the designs and the like.

There are affordable chandeliers out there that you can shop for your home. But now, do you have in mind the right chandelier you are looking for? Definitely, there are lots of chandeliers to choose from, but this article will give you some tips on how to find the right chandelier for you, the one that will meet your style and your budget.

The first thing you should do is determine the type of chandelier you are interested in purchasing. There are a lot of types such as crystal, rustic, contemporary and a lot, lot more. Basically, in looking for the right chandelier for your home, you have to take a look at the style and design of your home and take it from there.

You should also decide on how many lights you prefer in a chandelier, the size, the shape, the design of the type of chandelier you choose.

As soon as you come up to the type of chandelier you prefer to purchase, you can now start shopping for the chandelier for your home. Start looking for the chandeliers that are affordable ones, the one that will suit to your budget. You can compare, compare and compare. There are many chandeliers that are out in the market, so you can compare and compare until you find the right chandelier for you.

There are a lot of merchants that offer affordable chandeliers; you can search for the affordable chandelier that will fit your style and budget. Just search and search to several merchants in order to find the right chandelier for your home.

Another way to find chandeliers is through the internet. There are a lot of websites that offer affordable and attractive chandeliers. Any types that you desire in a chandelier, you can find in the internet. Actually there are a lot of websites that offer rebates, free shipping, and/or custom designs. So all you have to do is search for the websites and shop for the chandelier you want.

One additional advantage in searching for chandelier in the internet is that, you can look for detailed photos and receives details about the chandelier. Indeed, the internet has a lot of different types of chandeliers and styles, designs and so on, for you to choose from. So you can search for the website that can offer you the right chandelier you are looking for.

Chandelier can certainly make your home beautiful and elegant. So you have to give a time in shopping for the best chandelier for your home. You can follow the tips mentioned in this article if you desire to, in order for you so find the best chandelier that will suit your style and budget.

Article Author Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

Diamond Chandelier Earrings

To value a diamond, the four C's are carat, cut, color and clarity. When a jeweler describes a diamond as flawless, it means that there are no internal imperfections or visible surface imperfections. Viewed under a 10-power magnification, a skilled diamond grade expert can establish the value of a diamond. Diamonds, as with many other gemstones, have their weight stated in carats. When the weight of a diamond is in decimals, this figure is accurate to the last decimal point. An example is a diamond said to be .40 carat; this could represent a weight of .395 to .404 carat.

Pink diamonds

Pink diamonds are uncommon but considered some of the most beautiful diamonds on earth. Many famous movie stars own pink diamond chandelier earrings and they are certainly a thing of beauty. These diamond earrings are luxury and people love luxurious items. Pink diamonds are 'real' diamonds that nature does not make very often. Because of this, there are man made pink diamonds offered by jewelers. They are less expensive than natural pink diamonds. These diamonds are in style

Chandelier earrings

Purchasing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings for you or as a gift can be very exciting but also a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the right pair. As with clothing or other products, diamond jewelry and earrings have fashions or styles also. Make sure you consider this when shopping for diamond earrings.

The great news is that diamond chandelier earrings are all the rage and a 'must have'. Open any celebrity magazine or watch the awards shows on television and all the women are wearing magnificent chandelier diamond earrings. These earrings are a great accessory for any outfit and make you feel glamorous. Not only will they make you feel sexy but often catch the eye of people around you. Originally started around 1920, these chandelier earrings are still available in some antique and collectible shops.

Diamonds have a fiery brilliance all their own, and wearing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings draws attention to a woman's features as they cascade from each earlobe, framing her face and drawing attention to her neck. If a woman is wearing a special chandelier pair for an evening out, bare shoulders and cascading, dangling diamond earrings will look spectacular. Do not forget to give some thought to what you want the diamonds set such as platinum, white or yellow gold and silver.

Diamond chandelier earrings that have a tapered dangle design give a modern yet sophisticated look. Worn both as casual and formal wear, they give a brilliant, yet captivating look.

So remember, for yourself or that special someone in your life, a pair of diamond chandelier earrings will last forever, go up in value and make the person wearing them look and feel special. Make sure you do some research and then go buy the earrings of your or someone else's dreams.

To know more about the beauty of Earrings, check it out for free at Pearl Diamond Earrings

Chandelier Guidelines

Available in every decorative style, chandeliers add both presence and weight to a room. They bring the glow of candlelight to any setting.

To determine the proper size of a chandelier for a dining room based on the room size, add the length and width of the room in feet and substitute inches for feet, giving you the width of an appropriately-sized chandelier for the room. (A 10'x13' dining room, for example, would take approximately a 23" wide fixture.)

For determining the size of a chandelier based on your table size, the chandelier should be at least 12" smaller in width than the width of the dining table. The perfect chandelier will be a happy medium between these two measurements. Hanging fixtures can be smaller in scale when used in hallways and other rooms for general lighting. In dining rooms with 8' ceilings, hang chandeliers about 30" above the table. (Add 3" for each foot of ceiling height over 8'.)

Remember to order extra chain for higher ceilings. Most people don't realize that the wattage maximum of a chandelier is determined by the lampshades used on it! Smaller shades limit wattage. Chandelier shades reduce glare and help to direct light down where it’s needed. The mood and intensity of a chandelier is best controlled by a dimmer.

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and silk curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free curtain catalog.

Ways on How to Maintain the Beauty in Your Chandeliers

How would you like to decorate your home with beautiful crystal chandeliers? Do you have any idea on how to maintain the sparkle in your chandeliers?

Well nowadays crystal chandeliers are very demanding. Before we usually see crystal chandeliers in expensive hotels, elegant function halls, and corporate buildings. But now even in homes you’ll be able to see crystal chandeliers. Well crystal chandeliers are very nice decorations that we can use to add attraction to any commercial or residential project. A crystal chandelier can make a residential or commercial structure more attractive for it has magical colors. These magical colors sparkle all over the place. It can reflect on your ceilings, walls and even furniture. In order for you to maintain the beautiful sparkling effect of your crystal chandeliers make sure that you maintain the cleanliness of the lighting fixtures. So here are tips for you to remember for maintaining your crystal chandeliers. But be reminded that the frequency of cleaning your chandelier depends on the type of chandelier you have.

First you must remember that crystal chandeliers need to be clean especially when they look dirty, full of dust or look dull. It’s easy to determine if your chandelier is dirty, you can see the black dust all over. Secondly, when cleaning your chandeliers be sure to use an antistatic brush to avoid breakage. Be aware that when you clean your chandeliers the crystal pendants should not rub each other. Rubbing of the small pendants in a chandelier can cause small cracks that can turn into big cracks for a long time. Never ever use cleaning fluids even though it says that its safe for crystal surfaces, the cleaning fluid may contain an ingredient that is ammonia and other chemicals that will have an effect at the frame finish of the chandelier.

According to experts from Schonbek, if you’re using modern newly designed chandeliers you can clean them up without removing the pendants from the chandeliers frame. All you have to do is wear white cotton gloves, and then hold the pendants. Afterwards spray the chandelier with a solution consisting of ¼ of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water about ¾. Make sure that you spray a little amount of the said solution to the alcohol and wipe it with a dry cloth. On the other hand if you are using the old chandeliers its advisable that you detach the crystal pendant from the chandelier, give it a hand wash using a lukewarm using a mild soap, hypoallergenic soaps are better to use. Afterwards rinse it with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. When removing the pendants make sure that you draw the trim diagram of the chandelier so it will serve as your guide when reassembling the chandelier again. It’s a big no no to put back the pendants on the chandelier if they are still wet for it may cause an erosion to the metal parts of the chandeliers. Never rotate your chandeliers when cleaning for it could fall down. Always wear gloves when cleaning your chandeliers for your safety. Do remember that crystal chandeliers are very delicate so be sure that you take an extra care.

So for a long lasting beautiful crystal chandelier just follow these tips and be 100 percent sure that you maintain the beauty in your chandeliers. Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com