Shopping for crystal chandeliers can be likened to the act of purchasing a diamond. For that reason, novice shoppers – such as yourself – need to keep in mind that not all crystals are one and the same. Depending on the preference of the company that produces them, crystals may be molded, hand-cut or machine-cut.
Another important thing to remember is the variable costs of crystal chandeliers. The price tags may drastically fluctuate based on the characteristic of the crystal you pick out. When shopping for such lighting fixtures, you have to bear in mind that the crystals are typically available in four different qualities.
Swarovski Spectra Crystal
A passion for excellence has undeniably made Swarovski & Co. the top producer of cut crystal the world over. In point of fact, they have given rise to a new-fangled choice of quality crystal used today in numerous crystal chandeliers on the market. They have also combined the use of sophisticated technology and old-fashioned wisdom in the production of brilliant-looking crystals with precision cuts and exceptional light reflection.
The Swarovski crystal is absolutely designed for a crystal aficionado who demands quality at a reasonable price. Crystal chandeliers made out of Swarovski crystals unquestionably function as wonderful centerpieces in any room in the house.
Strass Crystal
Strass Crystals are regarded as the world's most excellent crystals. The same company that creates Swarovski crystals manufactures these exquisite sparklers. In essence, a Strass crystal is an optically untainted crystal that could be likened to the clearest spring water. It is utterly free from any blemishes or imperfections. In other words, it is unquestionably unique in its clarity and luster.
Strass crystals naturally feature razor-sharp edges with a lead substance that is greater than 30 percent. State-of-the-art machines that are designed to attain flawless optical transparency meticulously do the cutting and refining. On top of that, the crystals are normally treated with an imperceptible coating that reduces attraction to dust and allows for easier maintenance. Plus, each piece also bears the distinctive laser-etched signature, which identifies it as an authentic Strass crystal.
Italian Crystal
Italian – aka Venetian – crystals are molded rather than cut. More often than not, you will perceive rounded edges that directed from the use of the fire polishing method. Although molded crystals are never as sparkling as cut crystals, they certainly possess a delicate allure and an outstanding value. This variety is, without a doubt, an idyllic budget-priced component for heavily decked crystal chandeliers.
Majestic Wood Polish / Regal Crystal
This type of crystals that are used to adorn crystal chandeliers are hand-cut in two distinct stages. The first cut is transported out with the use of iron, while the second cut is done with a sandstone wheel. Every piece is then buffed up on a wooden wheel with limestone dust. These methods are actually centuries old. Also, if you examine each crystal, you will observe fault residues of the wood-wheel bearing out the resolve effort of the artisan. This is undeniably a sign of authenticity, which makes each piece of crystal a unique work of art.