|
Chandeliers are truly something special. True chandeliers are made with gorgeous cut glass that when illuminated with light bulbs, a magical cluster of light of created. Although this type of lighting can be used in a number of rooms throughout the home, you typically see chandeliers in an entryway, foyer, or large dining room.
Today, you will find chandeliers available in all sizes, shapes, and designs, which means the diversity for use is much greater. In other words, originally, chandeliers were large. Therefore, they were only hung in spaces that could accommodate the light’s overwhelming presence but now because there are smaller chandeliers, more and more people are given the opportunity to use them. During the 18th century in Europe, chandeliers were the vision of opulence and splendor. Typically, only the wealthy were fortunate enough to have such lighting, which set them apart from other people. The first known chandelier dates back to the 16th century at which time the light was created from rock crystal, all of different shapes. Then by the 17th century, Baroque style artisans began cutting the glass pieces needed for chandeliers, coming up with new and exciting shapes and sizes. The trimming made for the glass on chandeliers was eventually made from actual glass instead of the crystal in the latter part of the 17th century. However, because rock crystal had been used for so long, the name continued, which is what we still use today in the form of “crystal chandelier”. Eventually, glass completely replaced the use of crystal, making chandeliers a much more affordable lighting option. Originally, the glass was produced on the island of Murano, just to the north of Venice. The interesting thing was the process used was a carefully kept secret. In fact, the secret was taken so seriously that if any artisans tried to leave the island, they were killed. Even with such shrouded secrecy, the making of chandeliers leaked out to Spain, then to England, and then on to Ireland. Once France began manufacturing chandeliers, the styles and materials changed. In this case, you would find bronze chandeliers made with rock crystal beads, along with pressed glass pendants. Again, the crystal used was costly but it was also very difficult to cut. Therefore, crystalline glass was developed by George Ravenscroft, an English glassmaker. The result was a more affordable material that was easy to cut, making chandeliers something just about everyone could afford.
|
Chandeliers