A crystal chandelier is a ceiling-mounted lighting mechanism that has two or more arms bearing lights. The current types of crystal chandeliers are often quite ornate fixtures, that contain dozens of lamps and a unique array of glass designs and shapes to disperse light in attractive or unique patterns.

The early versions of the crystal chandelier were used in churches and abbeys to effectively illuminate large rooms and halls. They 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 suspended from a hook once lit.

Development Of Crystal Chandeliers

In the middle ages, more complex and diverse forms of chandeliers based on ring or crown designs began to become popular decorative features, often seen in palaces and the homes of rich families and royalty. The lighting apparatus' popularity as a status symbol continued to rise.

The beginning of the 18th century saw the development of ornate cast brass forms with long, curved arms and many candles could be found in the homes of most of the merchant classes. New technologies in glassmaking in the 18th century allowed for a more affordable production of materials like lead crystal. The light-dispersing properties of this highly refractive glass quickly became a popular addition to the form, leading to the Crystal Chandelier.

A number of more complex and elaborate designs of the chandelier continued to developed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries until the widespread introduction of first gas then electrical lighting phased out this traditional form of lighting's appeal.

Chandeliers Require Special Supports

Structurally, chandeliers may be much heavier than other ceiling light fixtures. Some may require special attachments to the ceiling and specially reinforced ceilings. Most however, do not require special supports and can be directly attached to the electrical box like any other fixture. Instead they specify that the electrical box be specially reinforced. This reinforcement can typically only be done at the time of the installation of the box. Subsequent installations of a chandelier may require extensive renovations

How To Efficiently Clean Crystal Chandeliers

- Remove all the bulbs and put them aside in a safe corner.

- Spread out a folded towel over the bottom of a sink or dishpan. Fill this half with medium hot water and add soap or detergent.

- Fill a large pan with clean hot water for rinsing the bulbs.

- Add a small amount of ammonia to this rinsing mixture for extra sparkle. Also pad this pan with a cloth or towel to keep fine glass from breaking.

- In washing, take the crystal drops and saucers off of the chandelier, one at a time, then wipe the frame or "arm" of the chandelier with a cloth soaked with the washing mixture.

- Wash the parts in the rinsing water mix. Rinse them with hot water and wipe them dry. Safely put them back right away to make sure that they go in the right places. If any pins or wires look weak or rusty, repalce them with new ones.

- Continue to take down, wash, and re-changing more parts until the whole piece is clean.

- Sponge off the bulbs. Rinse them, wipe them dry and install them back into their sockets again.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor