|
Types of Crystal
How to Recognize Fine Crystal
Crystal Definition
Cleaning Crystal
General Chandelier Information
Crystal Chandelier History
Types of Crystal
Swarovski Strass Crystal
Finest crystal in the world, Strass® is manufactured by Swarovski AG in the Austrian Alps. Clear as spring water, totally free of flaws, unique in purity and brilliance, Strass® crystal is characterized by razor-sharp machine-cutting of facets. Lead content is in excess of 30 percent. An invisible coating makes Strass® easier to clean.
Swarovski Crystal
A passion for perfection has made Swarovski the world leader in the production of cut crystal. This Swarovski crystal grade offers a high degree of brilliance and an attractive price.
Rock Crystal
Rock crystal is a natural quartz prized by collectors since ancient times. Wondrous fissures and mists, billions of years in the forming, make each crystal unique in the universe. The raw crystal is mined, not manufactured, It cannot be mass-produced. Skilled gemcutters grind, cut and polish each rock crystal by hand. Polishing one crystal to perfection might take a week. Rock crystal is cool to the touch in any weather. Sublime geological events created this mysterious coolness.
How to Recognize Fine Crystal
- The characteristics that distinguish fine crystal are apparent to the naked eye. Possible imperfections include lack of clarity, bubbles, chips and scratches.
- What you want to see is a reassuring absence of flaws, perfect translucence, silky smooth surfaces and prismatic fire.
- Rock crystal is judged differently from glass crystal. Inclusions, fissures and constellations are considered a mark of beauty in this natural quartz.
- Lead content is not necessarily a guarantee of fine quality. Lead simply acts as a softening agent, making glass easier to cut and polish.
Crystal Definition
- Crystal is transparent glass of a high degree of brilliance and optical purity, appreciated for its decorative beauty.
- The fire and brilliance of crystal comes from the refraction of light passing through a prism. The same phenomenon causes rainbows.
- A piece of crystal is like a diamond in that its value depends on the quality of its material and how it is cut. Crystal may be machine-cut, hand-cut or molded.
Cleaning Crystal
Frequency:
-
To stretch the time between cleanings, dust lightly every two or three months with a feather duster, lambswool duster or make-up brush.
Frequency of cleaning crystal depends on the location of your crystal chandelier, type of crystal and shape of the jewels. For example, Strass® crystal manufactured in the last decade has a surface that repels dust and needs cleaning only very occasionally. Handcut crystal pendeloques tend to show dust, but they are easy to clean because of their size and flatness.
-
Crystal needs cleaning when it appears dusty or dull. Just look at your crystal chandelier frequently (always enjoyable), and you’ll know when to reach for the white gloves.
-
Choose among the cleaning methods below, according to the style of your crystal and your personal preference.
-
WARNING: For your safety, follow the directions below explicitly. Extreme care must be taken around any electrical fixture.
White Glove Method:
-
This method does not require removing crystal.
-
Prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water. Put it in a spray bottle.
Wear white cotton gloves. Spray one glove with the above solution and keep one dry. Caress the crystal with the damp glove and wipe it immediately with the dry glove. This can be fun if you love crystal!
-
IMPORTANT: Do not use packaged cleaning fluids under any circumstances, even if they claim to be for crystal. They may contain ammonia or other chemicals that will eventually degrade the frame finish.
Crystal Removal Method:
-
If you’re coping with the grime of the centuries, you might want to detach the crystal from your chandelier for cleaning.
-
And certain crystal chandelier styles can only be cleaned by removing the trim.
-
Always locate your trim diagram before removing crystal, so you’ll know how to reassemble the chandelier.
-
Hand-wash the crystal in lukewarm sudsy water, using a mild dish soap like Palmolive®. Rinse in clean water and dry with a soft clean cloth.
-
Wear white gloves when re-hanging the crystal on the chandelier.
Tips and Tricks:
-
Before cleaning, put a towel or blanket under your crystal chandelier so that, if you dislodge a piece of crystal, your table or floor won’t suffer a nick (and the crystal is more likely to survive).
-
Never twirl or rotate your crystal chandelier. When cleaning, walk or move your ladder around the chandelier and clean in sections. By rotating a chandelier, you risk loosening its support, which could cause the chandelier or its crystals to fall.
-
To brighten the whole chandelier, be sure and wipe the light bulbs. But wait till they’re completely cool. Never touch bulbs with anything wet; it can cause them to shatter.
-
Never put crystal in the dishwasher!
|