CRYSTAL  CHANDELIERS

The most well known Crystal Chandeliers are "Versailles" Chandeliers which first came into vogue during the Louis XV period. These chandeliers were originally show pieces of the rich, and were hung in their important drawing rooms, ballrooms, and large dinning room. They were trimmed in the natural quartz "Rock Crystal."

As glass making skills developed, a number of glass makers concentrated on making pendalogues that simulated the more costly "Rock Crystal." Several European makers were successful in developing their lines of crystal, base on glass instead of quartz. This development led to the increases popularity of more modestly priced Crystal Chandelier throughout Europe.

The modern reproduction of the "Versailles" Chandelier has remained an important element in elegant interiors. The frame of the chandelier is still cast in brass and then trimmed with large French-style pendalogues.

Another important reproduction style is the Maria Theresa. This style represents a different direction taken by the 18th Century craftsmen to allow the production of affordable Crystal Chandeliers. Instead of casting the frame in brass, it is worked in iron. Next, the iron frame is hidden by glass plaques placed on both sides and secured by decorative rosettes. This technique resulted in the most affordable version of a Crystal Chandelier.

N   Capodimonte porcelain provided formal elegance. The seal of authenticity, the "N" with the crown, showed that the maker was a graduate of the "Capodimonte Institute of Naples" and had undertaken an apprenticeship under another master craftsman before he was allowed to certify his own work.