When you are selecting a crystal chandelier there are many styles, shapes, and grade of crystal to choose from. Pricing can vary tremendously and the many grades of crystal can be overwhelming. The following list defines the different crystals available starting from the top.
- Swarovski Strass Crystal: In 1892 Daniel Swarovski patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of crystal glass. This in turn allowed the opening of the Swarovski Company in 1895 by two financiers Armenand Kosman and Franz Weiss. Strass was founded in 1895 in Wattens, Tyrol in Austria. Known for its unsurpassed brilliance with 30% lead, the cutting of each facet, and the optical purity reflects light into a full spectrum of shimmering rainbow colors. With an invisible coating called “Brilliant” that does not allow dust to adhere to the individual crystals and makes cleaning a breeze. The most expensive in crystal grade, machine cut and polished. Look for the etched trapezoid logo on each piece and tag.
- Czech Crystal: From Bohemia, Czech Republic is the oldest crystal dating back to the 1300’s. It was the crystal of choice, found through out the palaces in Europe. It has a lower percentage of lead and is hand cut and hand polished on copper and bronze polishing wheels. It has extremely pure color and brilliance with that traditional antique look, a sought after crystal for centuries. The oldest dating of Bohemia crystal comes from an archeological site in the Lusatian Mountains in Northern Bohemia dating back to 1250A.D.
- Swarovski Spectra Crystal: Created as a lower price alternative to the Strass crystal with its precision machined perfection and with the Swarovski name makes this crystal difficult to turn down. Look for the Spectra tag on each chandelier.
- Italian Crystal: Produced for economical concerns from pressed molds and polished to achieve acceptable luster and sparkle. Colored crystal is synonymous with the Italians such as amber, amethyst and rose at a lower price point without compromising beauty makes this a good choice for budget minded consumers.
- Egyptian, Asian and Turkish Crystal: A much lower quality then any crystal listed above, with imperfections, lack of clarity, cut marks and dimples makes this crystal not an acceptable choice. Found on your much lower priced, mass produced chandeliers. This choice we would not recommend.
When selecting a body and style of your chandelier, whether it be Bohemian Model C1290CC, Hand-forged Iron Chelsea Model C1267J, Empire Model C2656CC, Maria Theresa Model C2634CC, Versailles Model C2628CC or Natural Rock Crystal Model C1287H, always make sure the bodies are made with cast brass or bronze with nickel or 24 Karat gold-plating, or hand-forged iron for that heirloom piece that can be handed down for generations.
Make sure you stay away from stamped and rolled steel and alloy-plated bodies and glued prisms found on big named, mass produced imports since they will deteriorate over time and you will be left with a costly mistake. Take a look through our online store to see our large collection of chandeliers.
