What are crystal lustres used for?

These pieces served as decorative mantel ornaments in nineteenth-century drawing rooms, often flanking clocks or mirrors to enhance candle illumination. Today, they function as striking decorative focal points on mantelpieces and sideboards, bringing period character and colour to a room.

How do I hang the crystal drops?

Crystal drops hang from small pierced holes around the upper rim of the glass bowl, secured by matching brass or wire loops. Take care when handling them during cleaning, as individual drops detach easily from their mounting pins.

How do I tell Victorian lustres apart from later copies?

Examine the cut crystal drops for hand-polished facets and slight irregularities typical of nineteenth-century glass production. The glass bodies often show heavy bases, pontil marks, and hand-applied enamel or gilding. French and Bohemian pieces frequently feature distinct overlay colours and heavier bronze mounts compared to standard English glassware.

Can I use candles in them?

Many examples include central sockets intended for taper candles alongside the decorative drop ring. Exercise caution if burning candles near antique glass and delicate enamel work to prevent heat damage or wax accumulation.