PLATTSBURGH, NY –- Rock crystal is a crystalline form of quartz that collectors have prized since ancient times. Schonbek, foremost manufacturer of crystal chandeliers in North America, has designed an expansive collection of chandeliers to display this rare quartz.
The earliest crystal chandeliers were ornamented with rock crystal. But when glass “crystal” was invented in the seventeenth century, it took over the market, being a man-made product relatively easy to manufacture.
Gem-quality rock crystal occurs in just a few locations around the world. To quote President & CEO Andrew Schonbek, “Our staff explorer had to abandon all the comforts of civilization to find a source in a remote area.
“Rock crystal was formed with the very formation of Earth. Each rock crystal gemstone is unique in the universe, created by sublime geological events spanning billions of years. Fissures, inclusions and crystalline explosions form a completely individual fingerprint in the clear quartz.”
Authentic rock crystal may be verified by hand as well as eye. It is mysteriously cool to the touch in any weather.
Each Schonbek rock crystal is carved and polished by hand by a highly specialized gemcutter. Great artistry is required because of the complexity of the quartz. Rock crystal ornaments cannot be cut or processed at any stage by machine.
The new Schonbek rock crystal chandelier collection includes chandeliers in the tradition of courtly opulence, as well as contemporary designs that convey a totally new vision of the rock crystal chandelier.
Andrew Schonbek commented that, “Collectors and nature lovers alike will welcome this reintroduction of the rock crystal chandelier. Every rock crystal chandelier by Schonbek is unique and highly collectible, because each rock crystal gemstone it displays is one of a kind and a true marvel of Nature.”
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