In crystal, copper, pewter, bronze… The chandelier remains a decorative and a lighting fixture of great value. The age, the manufacturer and the style are criteria that define its price. However, counterfeits exist. You have to be careful, especially if you are rummaging in a flea market or on the internet. How do you know?
The origin or manufacturer
The provenance is the first thing to consider when buying an antique chandelier . First, you should make sure that:
- crystalware : if it is original. The most famous are from the time of Saint-Louis, Baccarat or Lalique. That of Daum is also of excellent quality;
- dimensions : larger ones are more expensive and smaller ones are less expensive;
- the manufacturing process : some are made by hand, others by machine;
- the style : some are shimmering, others are less shiny…
All these details will help you verify the authenticity of a chandelier . The ideal would be to read the name of the brand or manufacturer on it. But the older ones are not signed.
The design of the chandelier
The value of a chandelier can also be determined by its shape. The design of the chandelier defines its quality. It allows you to find the country of origin. It helps you know who the real manufacturer is. However, counterfeiters imitate old chandeliers well.
Even those offered at auction can be fakes. How do you recognize an authentic model? By finding the touches of the original designer.
You can still estimate the value of a chandelier by its style. There are several. You have imposing crystal or glass chandeliers , for example. The material should be a determining factor since at a certain time, some were used more than others.
Some have tassels, others include several lamps. There are hot air balloons, ceiling lights, Venetians, Marie-Thérèses, etc.
The age of an antique chandelier
You can find beautiful chandeliers on vintage item sales sites . In this case, just check the year of creation or sale. This is indicated by the seller.
Some people think that this doesn't really matter. However, this parameter helps to corroborate the seller's claims about design since models of the same age have common characteristics.
In short, to correctly estimate the chandeliers , one must rely not only on the age, but also on the shape. The central rod, for example, is full for models before the industrial period. Also note the irregularities. They are typical of some manufacturers.
They demonstrate handwork, which increases the market value. This further proves that it is real. Enough to locate the real origin of the chandelier and therefore to evaluate its price.
Dimensions, accessories and maintenance instructions
In addition to the crystal or the base material, you should also consider the size of the chandelier . The larger ones are offered at exorbitant prices. The smaller the chandelier, the less it will be valued. This is obvious since it requires more material, more pieces and more work. However, the style can define the dimensions.
For chandelier accessories , such as bobeche sleeves, the guarantee of quality is the material. If they are made of plastic or cardboard, the chandelier is much cheaper. If they are made of opaline, the chandelier has a greater value.
The method of making the chandelier
The most beautiful chandeliers are handmade . This is the oldest and most beautiful method of manufacturing. The shapes may not match. In fact, it is impossible to have two lamps that are completely identical this way. Each piece is thus hand-cut from A to Z. Some, those that are made of crystal, are blown or cut.
If the parts are cast, the value decreases. It is even lower for machine manufacturing . If some parts are colored, like Murano glass, the scrolls have a unique property.
You also have molded flowers. Machine-made ones are a little more different. This is the basic technique, but the price is not as high as for hand-made items.
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