Category Archive: Large Chandeliers

By Jo Williams

There is absolutely no denying the beauty of crystal chandeliers. These interior conversation pieces have been delighting the senses since the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest. Strass crystal, manufactured by Swarovski, is recognized the world over as the finest crystal known to man. This crystal is first machine cut, and then hand polished and coated with an invisible optical layer, creating a stunning effect. It is these Swarovski crystals that are used every year in the design of the unique Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These stunning crystal chandelier designs have been introduced since 2002, with the most recent unveiling occurring in April 2006. Let’s take a look at some of the stunning crystal chandelier designs that have been realized through the years.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier in 2006 called “Science & Fiction”. The shape of this chandelier was based on the Marie-Therese design, which is identified with the 18th century Empress of Austria. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is noted for its ornate candle arms, and “Science & Fiction” made sure to pay homage to this old standard. The chandelier includes 111 crystals that feature a print of one of a kind design, and it is completed by 32 lit black candles.

Contemporary designer Ferrucio Laviani presented an amazing chandelier in 2005 that he called “Yoga”. He took over 100 crystals of differing pastel shades and enclosed them in a beautiful gold frame. “Yoga” is similar in shape to a standard children’s top, but this is one toy you would not want the children to play with. This marvelous chandelier is lit with halogens, casting off a gentle and hypnotizing glow of colors and crystal texture.

Gaetano Pesce introduced a beautiful chandelier in 2006 which he called “Mediterraneo”. This chandelier is a feast for the senses, as Pesce designed this chandelier in much the same style as a traditional old world chandelier – with a twist. The chandelier consists of 140 crystal strands, each one consisting of 87 Swarovski crystals lit up by LED’s that change the color of the design. In addition, “Mediterraneo” emits certain soothing smells and also changes shape before the viewer’s eyes. This is truly a unique and gorgeous crystal chandelier design.

Chris Levine was the mind behind the chandelier entitled “Vertigo”. This creation has the look and feel of old-time chandeliers similar to those you might see in ballrooms, but “Vertigo” is lit with laser lights throughout the rows of crystals. The result is a visually stunning display of what can be done with beautiful Swarovski crystals.

As evidenced by these original designs, the days of “run-of-the-mill” chandeliers are a thing of the past. As designers continue to experiment with the aesthetic beauty of crystals, the presentations will surely resemble the stunning crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, more and more people are sure to discover the beauty associated with crystal chandeliers.