Chandeliers have distinct qualities that could make rooms appear vibrant and classy. Since they are commonly hooked up on ceilings, they can easily catch the attention and interest of visitors. Today's chandeliers are constructed from a whole range of materials like antlers, metals such as brass and wrought iron chandeliers, plastic as well as gemstones. However, chandeliers made from crystal pieces remain as one of the most popular ceiling accents.

A crystal is a transparent mineral that looks like ice and is acknowledged for its extreme brilliance and optical purity. The brilliant quality of crystal is due to the refraction of light that passes through a prism, which is the same phenomenon exemplified when rainbows are formed. Due to its impressive aesthetic quality, crystal pieces have been consistently used throughout history as decorative items ranging from jewelries to contemporary chandeliers. It has also been used for healing and promotion of overall wellness.

The earliest recorded crystal chandeliers were utilized in the 16th century and were made from rock crystal pieces. In 17th century Baroque period, crystal artisans perfected the craft of cutting rock crystal pieces for chandeliers, and on the near end of this century in France the first crystal glass chandeliers were developed. Chandeliers entirely constructed from crystal glasses were first manufactured in Murano and has become widespread in Bohemia, England, Spain and Ireland. Since then, the designs of crystal pieces have profoundly changed over the years to befit specific room types.

Crystal pieces utilized for contemporary chandeliers may either be hand cut or machine cut. If you are going to purchase chandeliers made from crystal, it is important for you to know the crystal options you have. This way you would be able to find the ones that would best complement your rooms. Indicated below are some of the most common crystal types utilized for chandeliers including their individual descriptions.

First in line is the Strass Swarovski crystal from the Austrian Alps which is regarded as the most finest form of crystal and is known for its flawless quality. Crystal chandeliers constructed from these gemstones may come as plain or with differing colors, and could cost an arm and a leg. On the other hand, heritage hand cut crystal pieces, as their name implies, are laboriously hand crafted by artisans through two cutting stages""iron and sandstone wheeling. Once the crystal has underwent the said process, it is then hand-polished with a wood-wheel that has marble dust""a process the leaves wood wheel particles to the stone that serves as its mark of authenticity.

Rock crystal pieces are natural quartz that have been in use since the ancient times, and are acknowledged for the long process of their formation that gives them their distinct irregular shapes. These crystal pieces are all manually cut, grind and polished, which is why it takes about a week or two for a rock crystal to be finished. Meanwhile, legacy crystal pieces are manufactured in Venice and instead of cutting they are fire-polished making them more brilliant and luminous, while vintage crystal pieces are just like estate jewelries that goes along with fanciful beading. All in all, crystal chandeliers are indeed remarkable pieces that not only emit bright lights but are also multifunctional ceiling furnishings that could make a room appear more elegant.