Crystal was used in chandeliers because of its ability to softly spread radiant light.
Chandeliers had humble beginnings as crossed beams of wood to support candles in pre-medieval times. Advances in metallurgy and stone cutting techniques saw their rise into works of art. Crystal chandeliers come in a variety of styles that are most often identified with the time period associated with their use.
Crown
Crown-style chandeliers have a supportive ring structure that resembles a crown. Typically gold or gilded metal, the crown of the chandelier is often decorated with patterns. Crown-style chandeliers may also be called Corona or Empire chandeliers.
Neoclassical
Neoclassical chandeliers are identified by their many arms, which are often delicate and fluted. Some neoclassical chandeliers have spires on the ends of the arms, which add height and grandeur to the chandelier's overall appearance.
Baroque
Baroque chandeliers often have fewer, thicker arms and small dishes at their ends to cup the light fixtures. The crystals are often strung up between and beneath the arms.
Regency
Regency-style chandeliers have a hoop similar to Crown chandeliers, but the hoop's size and importance to the piece is very diminished. Instead, the hoop is used to support a canopy made of strings of crystal. More crystal forms a waterfall beneath the hoop, obscuring the stem.
Contemporary
Contemporary chandeliers often stray widely from the conventions of other styles, and usually involve a more artistic and less geometric arrangement of the crystals. Contemporary chandeliers may often feature colored crystal or glass.
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