A chandelier is a light source mounted to the ceiling with at least two arms to hold illumination. No antique lighting is more elegant than an antique chandelier. The decorative features associated with an antique chandelier are its cut glass, colored sconces and wrought iron. These were invented not only to impart beauty but also to accommodate the different sources of illumination, say wax or electric candles, kerosene, electric light bulbs or gaslights. Antique chandeliers come in many varieties: * Antique antler chandeliers: Antique antler chandeliers were made from the antlers of a deer, moose or an elk. Antique antler chandeliers make impressive style statement in rustic residences and in hunting and mountain lodges. * Antique beaded and shell chandeliers: Antique beaded and shell chandeliers use beads or shells for aesthetic purposes. An antique beaded and shell chandelier with a Capiz shell and its mother of pearl finish evokes an elegance similar to the one created by an antique crystal chandelier. An antique beaded and shell chandelier weighs less than an antique crystal chandelier. * Antique crystal chandeliers: These antique chandeliers employ cut glass crystals that dangle from their arms and create sheer elegance and old-world charm. A crystal chandelier has come to be synonymous with opulence, class and romance. * Antique metal chandeliers: Antique metal chandeliers are simple and stately with s-shaped or curved streamlined arms. More popular antique metal chandeliers include brass, brushed nickel and wrought iron. * Antique Mission chandeliers: Antique Mission chandeliers are an offshoot of the Arts and Crafts style. An antique Mission chandelier is characterized by a central metal ceiling mount that branches out to several short angular arms. These arms have downward facing milk-glass lampshades. The lampshades of antique Mission chandeliers are frequently embellished with metal detail or stained glass segments. * Antique Murano glass chandeliers: Antique Murano glass chandeliers were originally created in the glass-blowing mecca of Murano, Italy. These antique Murano glass chandeliers have curved tubular forms of blown glass with multi colored floral motifs. Styles of Antique Chandeliers: * Flame antique chandeliers: Till the gas lighting was invented in 1792, all antique chandeliers used wax candles. A reflective, lead-based crystal in the antique chandelier was started being employed to refract candlelight to increase luminescence. This innovation ushered in an era of cut-glass chandeliers. Antique candle burning chandeliers are considered among the most elegant collectibles though they are very difficult to use and maintain. * Gas antique chandeliers: Gas antique chandeliers appeared shortly after the public display of coal gas lighting at London's Soho Foundry in 1802. Antique gas lit chandeliers are often covered in colored glass sconces to soften the brilliance of gas light. * Electric antique chandeliers: The first gas-electric combination chandelier appeared in 1890. The brightness of electric lighting turned the colored-glass crystal chandelier design to a decorative element. Chandeliers from the early 20th century featured curlicue metal and elaborate hanging pendants.
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