Chandeliers

Stunning Crystal Chandelier Cesigns

2006-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

There is absolutely no denying the beauty of crystal chandeliers. These interior conversation pieces have been delighting the senses since the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest. Strass crystal, manufactured by Swarovski, is recognized the world over as the finest crystal known to man. This crystal is first machine cut, and then hand polished and coated with an invisible optical layer, creating a stunning effect. It is these Swarovski crystals that are used every year in the design of the unique Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These stunning crystal chandelier designs have been introduced since 2002, with the most recent unveiling occurring in April 2006. Let’s take a look at some of the stunning crystal chandelier designs that have been realized through the years.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier in 2006 called “Science & Fiction”. The shape of this chandelier was based on the Marie-Therese design, which is identified with the 18th century Empress of Austria. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is noted for its ornate candle arms, and “Science & Fiction” made sure to pay homage to this old standard. The chandelier includes 111 crystals that feature a print of one of a kind design, and it is completed by 32 lit black candles.

Contemporary designer Ferrucio Laviani presented an amazing chandelier in 2005 that he called “Yoga”. He took over 100 crystals of differing pastel shades and enclosed them in a beautiful gold frame. “Yoga” is similar in shape to a standard children’s top, but this is one toy you would not want the children to play with. This marvelous chandelier is lit with halogens, casting off a gentle and hypnotizing glow of colors and crystal texture.

Gaetano Pesce introduced a beautiful chandelier in 2006 which he called “Mediterraneo”. This chandelier is a feast for the senses, as Pesce designed this chandelier in much the same style as a traditional old world chandelier – with a twist. The chandelier consists of 140 crystal strands, each one consisting of 87 Swarovski crystals lit up by LED’s that change the color of the design. In addition, “Mediterraneo” emits certain soothing smells and also changes shape before the viewer’s eyes. This is truly a unique and gorgeous crystal chandelier design.

Chris Levine was the mind behind the chandelier entitled “Vertigo”. This creation has the look and feel of old-time chandeliers similar to those you might see in ballrooms, but “Vertigo” is lit with laser lights throughout the rows of crystals. The result is a visually stunning display of what can be done with beautiful Swarovski crystals.

As evidenced by these original designs, the days of “run-of-the-mill” chandeliers are a thing of the past. As designers continue to experiment with the aesthetic beauty of crystals, the presentations will surely resemble the stunning crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, more and more people are sure to discover the beauty associated with crystal chandeliers.

Jo Williams has an interest Home & Garden related topics. To access more information on chandelier lighting or on contemporary chandelier, please click on the links.

Diamond Chandelier Earrings

2006-08-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

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

Lighting Fixtures-Find the Right One for Your Space

2006-08-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

There are four basic varieties of ceiling lighting fixtures: pendants, chandeliers, hanging lamps, and flush-mounted ceiling fixtures. Ceiling fixtures are the true workhorses of ambient lighting. These light sources provide the general illumination for a room and really set the tone for the remaining fixture choices but they can also serve in task lighting roles as well. While there really is no set formula for choosing the right ceiling fixtures, there are some things to keep in mind when making a selection.

One of the things you need to consider when choosing lighting fixtures is just how much light they need to produce. To answer this, you have to think about what activities will take place in the room and how much light is needed for them. For a stairway, ceiling light fixtures may be the only source of light and are necessary for safety reasons. Ceiling fixtures such as hanging lamps that cast light downward instead of bouncing it off the ceiling are probably more practical. In a dining room where wall sconces and other forms of light are available, chandeliers that bounce light off the ceiling for a more subdued effect are probably the superior lighting fixtures to choose.

Once you decide how much light you need your ceiling fixtures to produce, you are going to want to think about how it will work with the rest of your décor. For people with a contemporary design scheme, pendants generally make a great choice. If you have a traditional or even an Arts & Craft décor, then chandeliers and hanging lamps will most likely be the perfect complement. The two areas that you will want to make your first decisions for ceiling fixtures are the entry way and the dining room. Your choices in these two rooms will set the tone for the rest of your home. If you have just purchased a home and really do not know what kind of décor you will be using, then consider the age of the home when deciding upon what ceiling fixtures to use. Older homes with a lot of exposed wood or ornate molding will definitely benefit from traditional hanging lamps in the living room and a classic chandelier in the dining room.

Finally, what sort of role do you need your ceiling fixtures to play? If you need task lighting for a buffet or breakfast island area, then a series of hanging pendants will serve you admirably in a contemporary décor. Also, for a breakfast nook in an older and more traditional home, a Tiffany style hanging lamp or pendant would be a perfect choice for some subdued ambient lighting. Pendants are ceiling fixtures that can be used for task or ambient lighting while hanging lamps and chandeliers are best suited for only general illumination.

Choosing the right lighting fixtures involves: deciding how much light they need to produce, how they work with the décor and character of the home, and what kind of role they need to play. No matter your needs or design layout, lighting fixtures are available in an endless array of styles, sizes and varieties so there will be no problem find the ones that perfectly meet all of your needs.

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 trendy Ceiling Fixtures and Chandeliers, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style.

Is An Antler Chandelier For You?

2006-08-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Picture this - rustic dining room in a cozy A frame or country home and a fabulous antler chandelier as the focus. It looks awesome! And if you don't believe me have a look at some of the home décor websites.

One very unique feature of antler chandeliers is that each one is unique. Yes they may be similar in style or color but because each set of antlers is truly unique the chandelier must also be.

Antler chandeliers are truly a form of art that will add an element of design and beauty to your room. And what a great way to reflect on your western heritage!

So what type of décor do you use an antler chandelier in? Well you have plenty of choices. As mentioned early a country home with a country dining room. A rustic dining room would be very fitting as well, but so would an early American or Southwestern, or Native American theme.

Now those are all common sense decors but antlers can make quite a trendy statement too in a modern or contemporary room, especially if you take your time and choose a style that works as a piece of art. Antler chandeliers also look terrific in a room that's filled with game hunters finds. Perhaps a taxidermy duck, bear, elk head, or any other fitting wild game.

Antler chandeliers are available with traditional candle settings or in their more modern electric form. There are many choices on the market and there are also several online companies that will allow you to customize your chandelier right down to the type of light socket covers it has. It's a terrific option for those who know what they want right down to the last detail!

Here are some of the style options to consider.

1. Mule Deer Antlers
Mule deer antler chandeliers can range from smaller sizes around 28" in diameter to much larger at 48" in diameter. The number of light fixtures runs from as little as 6 to as many as 12 and occasionally even more depending on style.

The bucks' antlers, begin growing in the spring and they are shed usually sometime in December each year. They are high and branch forward, forking equally into 2 tines with a spread up to 4 feet making them an excellent choice for a chandelier.

2. Fallow Deer Antlers
The fallow deer antlers make a very interesting and unique chandelier because of the type of antlers they have and the size of those antlers. A 50" diameter is quite common.

This is a medium sized deer and the adult males have large palmate antlers. The bucks develop spike antlers that begin to develop in their first year and continue to grow until 3-4 years old. The cast only antlers comprised of beams and simple points.

3. Rocky Mountain Elk
The rocky mountain elk provides the basis for a spectacular chandelier and a wide selection in size and style. Their sharp pointed prongs with a beam that sweeps both up, back, and out has a nice artistic effect on the finished product.

By year 2 the bulls spike are anywhere from 8 to 15 inches long and by year 3 they have 4 or 5 points. By the 4th year the antlers have become much heavier and after year 5 they are much larger, heavier, and have at least 6 points. It is said they actually develop their best set of antlers as an old bull around age 11. By this age they can be 5 feet long with 10 points and weight more than 25 pounds. Now that's a chandelier!

The mature bulls will shed their antlers during February and March while the younger bulls will usually shed later in May. New antlers begin to grow as soon as the old ones have been shed. The antler cycle is very regulated

You can quickly see why these elk horns make such great fixtures. Variety in age, size, points, and color provide a wealth of décor choices!

4. White Tail Deer
The white tail deer chandeliers come in a range of sizes, weights and fixtures from as few as 4 candle lights to as many as 10. The style of these chandeliers makes them perfect for a game room, family room over a pool table or in a dining room.

Only the male deer grow antlers which they shed each year. The growth starts in the early spring and by September the antlers are full grown. Deer antlers are actually the fastest growing tissue that man knows about. They will grow about ½" per day and they become covered with a live material that is called velvet that is eventually rubbed off.

A buck of about 10 months old and by one year of age spikes are commonly seen. Spikes are more common than branches in deer that are undernourished. Spike bucks shed earlier than branched bucks.

White-tailed deer mature at between 5 to 8 years and deer that with spiked antlers in their younger years often mature to be trophy adults. Trophy antlers make superb chandeliers

5. Faux Antlers
For those of you that prefer not to actually have the real deal not to worry you can make your fashion décor statement with faux antlers. These faux antlers are truly amazing with the same quality finish of the real thing. Generally they are made from resin making them very durable and a lot cheaper than the real thing!

If you've got a rustic, country, or southwestern décor consider adding an antler chandelier. You'll love the look!

Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.

Keep Your Wrought Iron Chandelier Shining

2006-07-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that can compare to the look of a wrought iron chandelier in your front entryway or over your dining room table. These types of chandeliers are majestic and they are grand and they can be a total pain to keep clean if you don't know how to do it. The key to long lasting gorgeous looks in that department is to keep the metal from getting rusty. Easier said than done right?

Wrong. Keeping your wrought iron chandelier free from rust is as easy as wiping it down with something like WD40 every now and then. This kind of cleaning is going to moisten the metal and bring a whole new glow and shine to it. If you have been noticing that your metal has been looking dull this is gong to solve the problem right up for you in seconds.

The actual cleaning can go a couple of different ways. You can get a soft cloth, one that is not full of rough bits, and then apply the WD40 to it. You can even soak the cloth in this solution to get it nice and wet. Wring it out if you do this though because you don't want a greasy mess all over the space under the chandelier. Another way to go is to apply the WD40 straight to the metal. This works just as good but it can also be rather messy. If you have a good dining room table under the chandelier or if you have marble or granite flooring don't go this route as you could end up staining your floors and table.

A simple wipe will add a protective coating to the wrought iron chandelier that will last a long time. In just a few minutes your chandelier is going to shine like never before and it is all due to a simple application of the solution. You can wipe all parts of the lighting fixture with the WD40 just make sure that you get it in all of the little crevices that are on the fixture. Any spot that you miss can bloom with rust so beware!

Tony has worked in a furniture workshop for more than 12 years. He has worked on numerous pieces of wrought iron furniture and has enough knowledge to give you his quick 3-step evaluation of the metal as well as his insights on wrought iron wall decor. This is made available to the public via his wrought iron furniture website, http://www.jlspecialty.com

Enjoy The Classic Elegance Of A Candle Chandelier

2006-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear the word chandelier? Chandeliers tend to bring images of grandeur, wealth, and royalty. And candle chandeliers take us back to another era where century old homes and fireplaces were the norm. Why not enjoy the classic elegance of a candle chandelier in your home?

Perhaps you've been lucky enough to have inherited one of the beautiful old chandeliers. If so you're a very lucky person and you need to be sure to take good care of your special gift.

However, if you are like most of us there is no inheritance so you'll need to go on the hunt to find your own perfect piece. Now that can be a lot of fun too! With so many antique shops to peruse and so many online websites selling antiques so you're sure to find the perfect fixture with a little time.

Now that said, you should be prepared to pay a fair bit for an antique piece. You might get lucky and find a really great deal but overall antique fixtures are going to cost you more than modern fixtures. But after all they are an investment.

If an antique piece is out of your budget, not to worry. There are many excellent reproduction pieces that can be purchased for a very affordable price. And they only one that's going to know your secret is you.

Don't forget antique means ornate often with intricate carvings. There's a feel about them that gives them their charm and elegance. Crystal, brass, antler, wrought iron are all great antique choices. Antique candelabras are never shiny. They must always look worn. So even if you are choosing an antique reproduction make sure it has the look of an old fixture.

Oh yes, and you can quickly create the antique look using an antiquing glaze. Just apply and then rub off with a soft cloth while the glaze is still wet. You'll have instant "old."

But an antique candle chandelier won't give the ambiance of old world charm by itself. The rest of the room must also carry the theme. So that means your furniture and other décor needs to also look and feel antique. Then your room will come together nicely.

Candle chandeliers are by far the most elegant and classic of all types whether they are crystal, wrought iron, antler, or brass the candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be ever so romantic too! Candles are a form of lighting that bulbs just can't compete with! As the shadows flicker across the room it's a spectacular scene!

That's why they make such great mood setting pieces and the décor they are added to must be carefully chosen. Because candles have a softness to them a room that's filled with crisp lines and cuts is not a good choice. A small room is all not a great choice for the full effect of the candles.

They look great in a ballroom, bedroom, even over an antique tub. They can be worked into a dining room providing the décor is appropriate. And they look great in a room that has a soft inviting atmosphere.

Candle chandeliers do require more maintenance than electric chandeliers but they are worth every minute of it. Besides the regular cleaning and polishing you will also need to remove any wax drippings taking care to ensure they do not build up in the carvings. You'll want to clean drip cups regularly and if there are glass shades they'll need a regular cleaning as well as they will become blackened.

A candle chandelier portrays a timeless beauty that's second to none and it's a great addition to the right room so be sure to give it the consideration it deserves!

General Tips for Chandelier in a Dining Room

2006-07-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

Mounted fixtures have a dual purpose. They don't just illuminate a room; they also provide aesthetic appeal to it by bringing beauty and personality into your room. Unlike lamps that one can move around, chandeliers are more permanent. Hence, proper positioning is required for these luminous adornments to work well and look good. The first tip in choosing a chandelier relates to size. One must consider the proportion between the size of the room and the size of the chandelier. A chandelier that is too small for a room will look isolated. On the other hand, one that is too large for a room will appear cluttering. With a rich variety of chandeliers available today, chances are high for finding the perfect one that matches any home. Creativity is very much involved in selecting a chandelier with a wide range of designs, finishes and styles to choose from. Each chandelier adds a touch of elegance to any room and vibrancy into the domestic atmosphere. Chandelier styles can range from elaborate and large to minimalist and aesthetically pleasing. Chandeliers can complement other lighting very easily and will certainly add value to one’s home.

When choosing a dining room chandelier, in particular, attention to proportions becomes magnified. The fixture must neither dominate a table nor look too insignificant. The best thing to do is to measure width and length of the dining table (or the diameter for a round table) and consider these measurements in shopping. As a rule of thumb, the span of the chandelier must be 12 inches shorter than the table's width (or diameter).

To ensure a new light will be securely supported, the ceiling electrical box must be checked before one begins the installation of the chandelier. When hanging over a dining table, the chandelier must be aligned with the center of the dining table with a 30-to 33-inch gap between the tabletop and the bottom of the chandelier. The purpose of the gap is to prevent any bumped heads. Chandeliers for other rooms should be placed generally higher than 8 feet above the floor in the middle of the room or foyer for safety and style. If the electrical connection on the ceiling does not work with the center of the dining table, add a heavy-duty decorative hook on the ceiling above the table center, and then attach a length of chain to carry the wiring from the electrical connection to the hook.

With regards to choosing the right bulbs to buy, one should decrease the watt rating of the bulb larger numbers of bulbs are required. A chandelier with three or more light sockets is probably more suited to 40 watt bulbs. Once correct bulbs are chosen and installed, the chandelier should give off sufficient light coverage without blinding anyone. Dimmer controls are recommended since they allow adjustment of the light intensity according to needs.

It is always a good idea to clean the chandelier at least once a year to maintain its beauty and shine. Before one starts with the cleaning process, the light bulbs must have been off for at least 10 minutes so the bulbs can cool down. For safety reasons, one must never clean the chandelier while the lights are on. It could either lead to a burnt hand, or worse to electrocution. If the pieces have to be dismantled, one must do so in sections or draw up a picture of how the components fit together. This will mitigate any frustration and confusion at the moment the pieces have to be reassembled together. Also place a blanket under the chandelier to catch any pieces of it that may fall. Keep the chandelier in the same place as you clean and do not turn it around as this may strain the power cable.

Selecting a Chandelier

2006-07-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Chandeliers are special lights that have been in use for a long time. The word chandelier comes from the French word 'chandelle', which means candle. In the earlier period, these lights were made of animal fat and were attached to wooden spikes. They used to get support from the ceiling.

There was no electricity during that time, so the substitutes that were available were small sputtering tallow wall sconces, or the glow of a fireplace. Thus, chandeliers provided better lightning. They were generally used in medieval churches and abbeys in the 15th century.

Earlier, these chandeliers used to be designed for the use of the wealthy and powerful, as only they could afford them. However, it can be said that the journey of the chandelier started from homes in between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Chandeliers are considered as a symbol of status, wealth, and beauty, and have been widely used in movies to show the status of any wealthy family. It is believed that to build an impressive and complete home structure, these chandeliers are capable to develop a unique and elegant beauty.

Selecting a chandelier can be a little bit difficult. It may create confusion for you to decide on the right chandelier for your entry hall or dining room. These chandeliers come in many different varieties and sizes. Mostly, people go for shiny brass multi-arms with faux candle socket and flame-shaped bulbs.

If you are looking for an adjustable chandelier for your home and you cannot decide on the width of the chandelier, then first of all you should calculate the dimensions of the room. You just need to add the width and length of the room in feet, and then convert this figure to inches. The number you get in inches is the near about diameter of the chandelier that you need to purchase. Some people prefer oversized chandeliers for their room; they can be used design wise, but an undersized chandelier must be avoided except in the case where you are using multiples.

Secondly, the placement of the chandelier is very important, so that it shines properly. In the dining room, the chandelier should be placed exactly over the center of the table. However, the roughly estimated gap between the table and the chandelier must be about 30 inches to avoid accidents.

In order to save wall art from being positioned in the dark, you can use recessed lights. You can also use a dimmer to create a preset level while dining and for special occasions.

You can use two to three low-voltage pendants in the place of a chandelier for light distribution for long and narrow tables.

A proper choice of chandelier can develop a style and enhance the beauty of your room. Always remember that while choosing a chandelier, you must keep in mind the place where it will be installed, and its size.

Stefan Rockhaus provides interior decorating tips. Visit the Chandeliers Guide to read more about chandeliers - You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact. Find more articles at Information Point