Recently I read an article about the elusive Theory of Everything so passionately sought by physicists. An all-encompassing theory that will somehow unify general relativity with quantum mechanics. A common mathematical language for massive objects and teensy particles.

My theory is that everything has to do with light. Light and energy. Light and its opposite, for I’m vaguely aware of dark matter too. I can’t prove my theory. I just experience its truth of it in the warmth of sunlight, the glitter of moonlight on water, the luminous sensation in my pores when I’m out walking on a beautiful day – and the fiery bursts of spectral light emitted by a crystal chandelier.

A crystal chandelier is your own laboratory of light. This is your chance to study the energy of the universe in miniature. For this purpose, a rather complex chandelier might be interesting.

For example, Hamilton with amethyst quartz, rose quartz and STRASS® Swarovski® crystal.

Light in its most colorful, instantaneous and thrilling form is produced by the perfectly pure, precision-cut STRASS® Swarovski® crystal jewels. Swarovski knows better than anyone how to cut crystal to evoke dazzling displays of prismatic light.

The amethyst quartz ornaments exhibit a wonderful sheen because they’re so highly polished. And there appears to be light trapped inside the quartz as well. You can trace its subtle reflections in the fissures and veins inside a quartz gemstone.

Rose quartz gleams a rosy pink. Like pink streaks of cloud ignited by the rising sun.

I suppose I need a formula for my theory. How about this?

B = lc2

brilliance = crystal x light squared

Thursday, July 24, 2008
Symbolism is great to work with in home décor, and The Wave is a crystal chandelier rich in symbolic possibilities.

Refrax™ Wave is its proper name. This chandelier is a recent addition to the Geometrix® collection of high tech lighting, but I notice that images of it are showing up everywhere on the Web.

The Wave is in fact a massive wave composed of crystal jewels. It’s just a little over 32 inches long, every inch of its surface a dense fabric of shimmering STRASS® Swarovski® crystal.

What does it symbolize? Anything you like.

The wave shape creates a sensation of motion, so perhaps it stands for your upward and onward progress in a successful career.

Or perhaps you’re looking at a luminous abstraction that might suggest a maverick physicist’s Theory of Everything.

The Wave might be a symbol of your free and fluid approach to creating beauty wherever you are.

Weaving in and out, The Wave might encourage outside-the-box decorating – and unconventional thinking in general.

With its luminous surface and invisible inner structure, The Wave may remind you of the dazzling universe and its impenetrable mysteries.

Or it may symbolize something as whimsical as the wavy hair of the person you love most.

Choose your metaphor!

You also have a choice of crystal colors. The Refrax™ Wave chandelier comes in several very cool crystal colors: Jaguar, Bullet, Boa or Ocelot.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We have a new page illustrating the new STRASS® Swarovski crystal colors. Now you can get a more comprehensive look at these colors and how they interact with frame finishes. A trip to a lighting showroom is still in order, however, for the full effect.

The other night I saw the full moon rising. Surprisingly it was a pale gold rather than silver, but of a luminosity that partook of both gold and silver. I was reminded of the pale golden shimmer of Golden Shadow crystal.

Golden Shadow and Silver Shade crystal are extremely subtle crystal colors. They don’t shout gold or silver. Rather they shimmer with the idea of these colors. They seem to be drenched in sunlight or moonlight in some mysterious way.

Schonbek first used the new crystal on their new cast chandeliers. The intricate rococo castings of Milano and Sophia contrast beautifully with the cool, chic quality of Silver Shade and Golden Shadow crystal. But the crystal was so much fun to work with that inevitably Schonbek tried it on other chandelier designs. On the new crystal page, note Renaissance with Golden Shadow crystal.

Clear crystal of superlative quality is always a correct choice. But if you enjoy breaking with tradition (or at least playing with traditional looks), these new crystal colors are an excellent option. And the fact that they are STRASS® Swarovski® crystal assures you that you’re getting first quality crystal, as well as something new and different.