Cutting Edge Knowledge Online for you

Crystal chandeliers are probably the most well known style of chandeliers, due to their amazing light scattering properties and beautiful refined appearance. crystal chandeliers (Kristalllüster) are not made from a crystalline substance however, and are instead made from a type of lead glass that is used to similar effect. Lead glass is a specially developed style of glass that replaces the regular calcium content in glass with lead content, with different applications having a different percentage of lead content. Lead glass is often associated with Venice, Italy, and the island of Murano that lies just of the coast of Venice. In fact, it was the Venetian use of the word cristallo to describe some of their rock crystal imitations that have birth to the term crystal chandelier. There is a long and rich history of glass making and lamp working in Venice and Murano, and many of the techniques used in the construction of crystal chandeliers were first developed in this part of the world.

Murano is a series of small islands which are linked by bridges in the Venetian lagoon. Murano is only about 1.5 km from the city of Venice, and is often associated with Venice for this reason. The strong glassmaking culture that exists in Murano was born in the Venetian republic, where the local glassmakers were ordered to leave the city in 1291 because of the danger of fires. Ever since this time, there has been a strong culture of glassmaking in Murano, especially in the fields of lamp working, crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass.

Murano and Venice share a long association with glassmaking and the design of crystal chandeliers, with the development of techniques that only later spread to the rest of Europe. While crystal chandeliers are now associated with the entire European region, during the first years of manufacture they were linked strongly to Venice and the islands of Murano. Along with crystal chandeliers, the glassmakers of Murano also produce a large range of other glass items, including beads and ornaments. While crystal chandeliers are produced all around the world in the 21st century, the glassmakers of Venice and Murano are still world renowned for their fine craftsmanship and beautiful creations.