How do I clean crystal drop candlesticks?

Remove the hanging drops gently and wash them in lukewarm soapy water using a mild detergent. Dry each piece with a lint-free cloth before rehanging them to avoid water spots. Polish the metal and glass bodies separately with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage gilt surfaces or older glass patinas.

Are all hanging drops original?

Many pieces lost or broke prisms over the decades, leading to replacement drops being fitted later. Examine the cut style, glass tint, and wear around the suspension holes to gauge consistency. Matching cuts and uniform glass colour indicate a cohesive set, though married drops remain common in historical lighting.

What is the difference between a lustre and a candelabra?

A lustre serves primarily as a decorative ornament with hanging prisms, sometimes featuring a central candle nozzle or functioning purely as a display piece. They often sit under glass domes on mantlepieces. A candelabra is built specifically to hold multiple candles across branched arms, though many Victorian examples also incorporate hanging drops for added illumination.

How do I date an antique lustre?

Examine the base construction, metal casting quality, and the type of glass used. Regency examples favour bronze and clear cut glass, while Victorian pieces frequently introduce coloured ruby and cranberry glass. The shape of the prisms and the method used to wire them to the body also offer clues to the manufacturing decade.