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Like any collectible, a chandelier that is in good, original condition will have more value than one that is in poor condition or that has been extensively refurbished. Examine the crystal to look for chips and cracks. Check whether any pieces of the crystal are missing or have been replaced with newer material.
How can you tell how old a chandelier is?
Examine the Glass Color The color of the glass in an old crystal chandelier is another clue as to its origins and age. The high lead content of a 19th-century chandelier makes the glass appear to have a gray tint. This is a good indication that the chandelier is authentic and not a modern reproduction.
What is my brass chandelier worth?
The genuine brass chandelier shown above weighs 31 pounds, and is worth about $18 as-is. If you have cleaned your brass chandelier of steel contamination, the clean scrap brass is worth roughly $1.20/Lb.
What makes a chandelier expensive?
Chandeliers are expensive because it does require special expertise to make them and the time and effort required are not trivial at all. More importantly, there are rarely any manufacturers in the US or EU who make chandeliers which means that most chandelier products are imported from abroad.
How can you tell if a chandelier is real crystal?
The glass has a colorful tint according to the used ingredients (greenish shade when iron oxide is used), the crystal is always clear, translucent. With proper grinding, the crystal gets clean, with rounded edges and areas that beautifully reflect the light.
How do I sell my old chandelier?
Antique and vintage chandeliers, light fixtures, and ceiling lights sell well everywhere- Craigslist, Ebay, antique stores, thrift stores, and salvage stores. They also sell well on Etsy but you need to have an Etsy shop to sell on the platform. If you only have one fixture to sell, I would recommend selling on Ebay.
How can you tell the difference between a crystal and a glass chandelier?
Generally, crystal chandeliers give off more color, but the fundamental difference between glass and crystal is the lead content. In the U.S., glass with 1 percent of lead or more is deemed a crystal, while in Europe glass becomes a crystal only when lead content exceeds 10 percent.
How do I know if my light fixture is antique?
Look at the light fixture for manufacturer impressions. The metal framework supports the fixture, the base of the light and the arms connecting to the globes. The company names or signatures that were incorporated into the original casting are the most common markings.
Is my chandelier brass or bronze?
A. The only dead easy step is to test it with a magnet. If it’s magnetic, it is plated steel rather than either brass or copper. Copper is not as strong and stiff as brass, and also more expensive, so it usually isn’t used for lamps except when you want the color of a penny; brass is much yellower, bronze is browner.
Are brass chandeliers in style?
After a much-needed hiatus, brass returned in the late 2010s — and yes, brass fixtures are still in style today. In contrast to the chromed finish previously popular, trending brass fixtures have a subdued brushed or satin finish.
How much should you spend on a chandelier?
You may find a chandelier for under $100 at your local home improvement center. You can also spend over $1,000 on a fancy, high priced chandelier. You can take it to almost any level you want with these luxury lighting chandeliers. You can easily spend $5,000, $10,000, or even $20,000 on a lavish lighting fixture.
What is the most expensive chandelier?
#1__The most expensive chandelier ever sold at auction was a__Givenchy Royal Hanover German silver eight-light chandelier by William Kent. It earned more than $9 million at Christie’s London’s July 7, 2011, sale. The piece, designed in 1736, was valued at $4 million to $5.7 million.
How can you tell if you have a Swarovski crystal chandelier?
Check for laser logo: If you are purchasing Swarovski Strass Crystal it is easy to tell if it is authentic as there is a laser etched trapezoid logo inside the crystal. If the crystal is the highest quality Swarovski, vendors will always state that it is Swarovski Strass.
How do I know if my chandelier is Waterford?
The first way to tell an authentic piece of Waterford is to look for the Waterford acid mark. Using a magnifying glass, or holding the crystal up to the light, search for the stamp. It will most likely appear on the stem’s base, but can also be found in the grooves as well.
Is my old light fixture worth anything?
Antique light fixtures are a valuable and inspirational decorative accent in a real estate investment. The historical significance and unique styling associated with antique lighting fixtures make them a luxurious element in a home design.
How do I find the value of antique lamps?
Lamps are often more valuable when left in an original condition with most or all the original parts. Lightly scratch the underside of the lamp surface to determine the type of material it is made from. Some lamps may appear to be made of metal, but they might also be painted to look and feel just like metal.
What do you do with old light fixtures?
Light fixtures can be recycled through salvage shops or through other community organizations. Salvage shops often have a high demand for working light fixtures, and many community organizations use donated light fixtures when rehabilitating low-income homes.
What is a Marie Therese chandelier?
The Maria Theresa chandelier is a very distinctive style of light fitting, first appearing in Austria in the 18th century. The distinctive metal frames are always faced with cut crystal glass and held in place with small glass rosettes. They will always be dressed with crystal pendalogues.
