What do you call chandelier crystals?

What are the crystals hanging from a chandelier called? Chandelier crystals, which can be any color, cut and polished into many different sizes and shapes, are called pendalogues—occasionally spelled as pendeloques.

How can you tell a quality crystal chandelier?

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 chandelier crystal made from?

At root, crystal is comprised of silica (sand), potash and lead oxide. Lead oxide is added to a basic glass mixture for a refraction effect. Leaded glass contains from 5-20% lead content. Leaded glass is typically used in churches and for certain applications in older homes.

Do chandelier crystals contain lead?

The basics of chandelier crystals Crystal contains lead oxide, which gives it more weight and more refraction than normal glass. This means crystal is more brilliant, sparkles more and is prismatic. Lead oxide content is important in crystals for chandeliers, but it is also safe for the health of consumers.

What is the difference between K5 and K9 crystal?

K5 OR K9 BOROSILICATE GLASS (“CHINESE CRYSTAL”) Borosilicate glass is not, strictly speaking, crystal, as its lead content is below 10% (the original terms “K5″ and K9” refer to the percentage of lead oxide content — 5% and 9% respectively). K9 glass should be considered to be a higher quality than K5 glass.

What are K 9 crystals?

K9 Crystal (Chinese) It’s a Chinese Optical Borosilicate Crown Crystal and doesn’t usually require many incisions when cutting it down to the perfect shape. It’s also appreciated for its low dispersal properties. It’s made from glass borosilicate crown, and uses an optical crystal as opposed to lead oxide.

What are K5 crystals?

Is Swarovski crystal quartz?

How is Swarovski Crystal Made? While Swarovski won’t reveal its secretive manufacturing process, we know that Swarovski crystals are made of quartz sand and natural minerals. The actual product is a form of man-made glass, with a 32% concentration of lead.

How many crystals are in a chandelier?

2,900 crystals
In each individual chandelier, there are about 2,900 crystals–mostly strings of beads gathering at the center in a layered flower design. Multiplied by 12, the total number of crystals comes to a little under 35,000.

What are the different grades of crystals?

The “Four Cs” of gem grading stand for color, clarity, cut, and carat (weight). Gemologists grade gemstones based on these properties.