Crystal Chandeliers from Classic to Contemporary

The earliest crystal chandeliers, dating back to the sixteenth century, were ornamented with rock crystal, but in contemporary times such chandeliers have rarely been seen outside palaces and museums. The new Schonbek collection of rock crystal chandeliers is an historic event.

Rock crystal is as old as the Earth, a rare quartz prized through the ages by emperors, conquerors and collectors. Every rock crystal is unique in the universe, created by sublime geological events taking place over eons. Fissures, inclusions and crystalline explosions form a completely individual fingerprint in the clear quartz. Authentic rock crystal may be identified by hand as well as eye. It is mysteriously cool to the touch in any weather.

The raw quartz is mined, not manufactured, in remote locations difficult to access. To handcut and polish each rock crystal requires great artistry because of the natural complexity of the material. Rock crystal ornaments cannot be mass-produced.

Schonbek offers a variety of original chandelier designs, from traditional to minimalist. We can also create custom designs trimmed with rock crystal and other semi-precious gemstones.

The amethyst displayed on some Schonbek chandeliers is a natural quartz tinted by traces of iron.