Schonbek crystal chandeliers play a pivotal role in the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day.” Here’s how it came about.

Filming was well underway for “Die Another Day.” The set was a cavernous Ice Palace constructed on the largest stage in Europe.

How to light it? The producers heard rumors of a chandelier resembling a massive icicle on fire. They tracked it down. It was a Schonbek chandelier called Jubilee. It was a natural for the part.

Schonbek was instructed to deliver 49 crystal chandeliers and wall sconces in little more than three weeks. Several phone calls later, the order had increased to 61.

We were able to make the deadline, because we maintain huge inventories of crystal and manufacture our own chandeliers. And much like Q, we relish the chance to exercise our ingenuity.

The firepower of the Schonbek chandeliers rivals the firepower of Bond’s
cars.

16,683 crystal jewels are displayed on the largest chandelier, which is 13 feet long. Counting the jewels in all the chandeliers and wall sconces, 150,610 crystal jewels bedazzle the eye (and stimulate the action) in the Ice Palace.

The mesmerizing effect of Jubilee is intensified by the interplay of light between crystal jewels and glass rods.

In the crystal trade, these clear glass rods are called “swizzle sticks,” and are, in fact, the same used to mix Martinis. Not that it matters here, since 007 likes his “shaken, not stirred.”

Set designer Simon Wakefield fell in love with the quality of light created by the Schonbek chandeliers. “The movement and fire of crystal,” he remarked, “brought the set to life.”

Wakefield felt that the crystal chandeliers were a neat allusion to the villain’s diamond mines. At the same time, crystal “reflects the Bond character. Sparkling witty chap, really.”

The fact that the producers chose Schonbek was significant. How fitting that the elegant British agent, with impeccable taste in everything, should save the world once more by the light of authentic Schonbek chandeliers.

If you’re a serious Bond fan, you might like a chandelier just like the one from the movie set to hang in your own palace.

“Jubilee” may be ordered in a variety of sizes from fine lighting showrooms that carry Schonbek. This chandelier is certain to exhibit star quality.