Crystal Chandeliers | Kingdom Lighting USA Blog
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A Brief History of Chandeliers
Antique chandeliers weren’t always antiques. Chandeliers have been around for ages, since medieval times. Candle chandeliers were used in places of assembly, and “generally took the form of a wooden cross with a number of spikes on which candles could be secured, the whole assembly being hoisted to a suitable height on a rope or chain suspended from a hook.”
In the 15th century, chandeliers took on more complicated designs, based on ring and crown shapes, thereby becoming both functional and fashionable. Crystal chandeliers were often were found in places of affluence and nobility (as well as homes of the clergy), a sign of one’s good social standing.
By the early 18th century, many members of the growing merchant class were able to own bronze chandeliers glazed with a fine coat of gold, featuring many curved arms and candles.
A century later, gas light became a source of illumination, calling for new designs of branched ceiling fixtures. Gas-illuminated chandeliers appeared in the mid-19th century, and many candle chandeliers were converted to gas. By the end of the century, electric illumination had officially made its mark, and chandeliers using both gas and electricity were made. Not long after, only electric chandeliers became the standard.
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You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.Posted on: Monday, January 17th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Posted in: chandeliers
Tags: antique brass chandelier, antique chandelier, brass chandelier, brass chandeliers, crystal chandelier, crystal chandeliers, kids chandeliers