How do I clean glass lustre drops safely?

Remove each crystal drop individually by gently opening the wire suspension loop so the glass does not strike the main body. Wash the pieces in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, dry them thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, and reattach them carefully.

Can I burn real candles in these candlesticks?

Many of these pieces are designed to hold traditional wax candles, but heat from a burning flame can occasionally stress older or repaired glass sockets. It is often safer to use appropriately sized taper candles for short periods or display the items unlit to protect the antique material.

How can I tell a Victorian lustre from an earlier Regency one?

Regency examples often feature cleaner classical lines, heavy cut-glass pedestals, and restrained bronze or ormolu mounts influenced by neoclassical design. Victorian pieces frequently embrace bolder colours like ruby and cranberry glass, heavier proportions, and ornate revival styles including Rococo and French Chateau motifs.