How do I clean an antique crystal chandelier?

Remove dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth before applying a mild cleaning solution to each crystal drop by hand. Support each pendant carefully to avoid straining the wire or brass pins holding them to the frame. Keep moisture away from the electrical fittings and metal mounts to prevent tarnishing or corrosion. Allow all components to dry completely before turning the light back on.

How do I date an old decanter?

Examine the base for a pontil mark where the glassblower's rod was snapped off and ground smooth. Hand-cut stoppers and heavy lead composition generally indicate nineteenth or early twentieth-century manufacture. Compare the neck shape and cutting style against dated examples like Victorian ringed necks or Edwardian bell-shaped profiles.

Are these pieces made of glass or crystal?

The items encompass both standard cut glass and lead crystal depending on the specific object and period. Lead crystal contains additives that increase the refractive index, giving it a heavier feel and brighter sparkle. Both materials appear frequently across the tableware and lighting fixtures listed on this page.