Crystal Glass Candlesticks
These crystal glass candlesticks catch the room's light, bringing period weight and clarity to a table.
Crystal Glass Candlesticks
When you search for crystal glass candlesticks, you encounter a spectrum of table lighting spanning the eighteenth century through to the art deco era. The most frequent finds on this page include Victorian examples, Edwardian pairings, and twentieth-century cut glass designs.
Beyond straightforward single-column candlesticks, the selection expands into related forms such as mantel lustres, multi-branch candelabra, and converted table lamps. Many incorporate hanging glass drops or prisms designed to scatter candlelight across a room.
Assessing quality and substance
Quality rests in the crispness of the glass cutting and the optical clarity of the material itself. Heavier crystal blanks yield sharper facets and a more resonant ring when struck lightly.
The integration of the metal mounts, such as bronze or ormolu, and the completeness of the hanging lustres distinguish higher-tier examples from simpler production.
Crystal Glass Candlesticks Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for crystal glass candlesticks among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Stag and doe figures occasionally guard the glass stems, turning simple table lighting into a pastoral scene.
Rene Lalique·Clarkes
The Crystal Glass Candlesticks Glossary
- Mantel lustre
- A decorative ornamental stand fitted with hanging glass prisms intended to reflect light from a mantelpiece. They often mirror the form of candlesticks but lack a central candle nozzle.
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple lights on separate arms. These require more complex metal or glass armatures to support the weight.
- Ormolu
- Gilt bronze mounted onto decorative objects, providing a rich metallic contrast to the glass stems. It is cast and chased to achieve fine surface detail.
- Prisms
- Cut glass drops suspended from the sconce or rim of lustres and candelabra. They refract candlelight to brighten dark corners.
- Barley twist
- A spiral column turned into the glass or metal stem, creating a dynamic diagonal line. This technique adds movement to the silhouette.
Crystal Glass Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a pair?
Dating relies on observing the cut of the glass, the weight of the crystal, and the style of the metal mounts. Victorian and Edwardian examples often show distinct moulding lines or characteristic ruby and cranberry hues.
Comparing the base construction and any patent marks helps narrow down the decade of production. Earlier Regency and Georgian pieces exhibit hand-polished pontil marks and softer lead crystal characteristics.
What is a mantel lustre?
A mantel lustre is a decorative glass object designed to sit on a fireplace mantel, featuring a central vase or column hung with cut glass prisms. Unlike standard lighting, their primary purpose was decorative reflection rather than functional illumination.
They capture and refract ambient daylight and candle glow through their hanging crystal drops. Many survivors from the nineteenth century retain their original complement of glass prisms.
How should I clean them?
Cleaning requires warm water and mild soap, washing glass and crystal components by hand. Harsh abrasives damage the historic surface and any gilt metal mounts.
Removing hanging prisms individually allows for thorough cleaning without damaging the wiring or connecting wires. Dry each piece with a soft lint-free cloth to maintain optical clarity.