Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Crystal Lustres and Onyx Socle

• Lustres on Chandeliers and Candelabra - Lustres, as seen on candelabra and chandeliers are the glass or crystal drops or pendants that hang from the arms or branches of the fixture. They are often arranged in a decorative pattern and can range in size and shape, from small teardrops to large spheres.
  
  Lustres are designed to catch and refract light, creating a sparkling, shimmering effect. The drops are typically made of cut glass or crystal, which has a high refractive index, meaning that it bends and reflects light in a particularly beautiful way. The drops may be clear or coloured, and may be smooth or faceted.
  
  Lustres have been used in chandeliers and candelabra for centuries, and were particularly popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods. They continue to be used today in both traditional and modern lighting designs, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to any space.
• Socle - The short plinth, usually cylindrical, that serves as a pedestal for a sculpture or vase
• Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
  
  The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
  
  It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
• Onyx - Onyx is a form of agate, used from antiquity and popular again in the 1920s and 30s. European onyx is generally green, but can be many other colours, and can contain bands of black and/or white.
  
  This multicoloured stone is widely used for table tops, lamp bases and in jewellery. Some types of onyx are also used for cameos of which the upper white layer is cut away to reveal the colour beneath.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• candelabra / candelabrum
  • gilt and gold 181
  • ormolu and bronze 195
  • pairs and garnitures 529
• candelabra and candlesticks - glass and crystal 308