How do I clean an antique crystal chandelier?

Cleaning requires a gentle hand and a mild solution applied directly to the glass with a soft cloth rather than submerging the frame. Take care to support dangling drops while wiping them to prevent stress on the wire loops.

Were these chandeliers originally wired for electricity?

Most of these pieces started life holding real candles before being converted to electricity at a later date. Some retain dual functionality or appear as table lamps and girandoles designed for domestic placement.

What is the difference between a chandelier and a candelabra?

A chandelier suspends from the ceiling to light an entire room from above, whereas a candelabra is typically a freestanding fixture meant for a table. This collection includes hybrid forms that bridge both categories.

How do I identify a French antique chandelier?

French pieces often display distinct styling markers such as rococo scrollwork, cherub motifs, and gilt bronze or brass construction. Makers from this tradition favored elaborate branching frames draped with heavy cut glass.