Antique chandeliers can greatly affect the ambiance of your home. The overwhelming appearance is one that people recognize as rare and sentimental to have withstood time itself.

You have to know for yourself if your chandelier is genuinely antique since there are several imitations that look almost as good. Here are some unique signs to watch out for.

Identifying the Source

If your chandelier has been handed down from your ancestors or has been hanging in the same room of your century-old ancestral home, consider yourself lucky to have such an original and authentic piece. Check old photos and see if there are any shots of your old chandelier. It is very likely that you’ll find at least one picture that shows your grandparents with the chandelier in the background. These will verify how old it truly is.

If you bought your antique chandelier, check the shop as well as the seller. Is the place known for selling other antique items? What does the seller know about the chandelier's history? Antique items are relatively more expensive compared to newly manufactured ones. The seller should know the story behind the chandelier like which family it used to belong to, what era influenced the design and the materials used.

It is possible to find an antique chandelier from thrift shops and garage sales too. Some of these are sold by owners who know nothing much about antiques with several old pieces just lying in their attics and garages.

Identifying the Chandelier

It is recommended that you research about antique chandelier designs as well as observe photos and actual authentic pieces to compare with the one you have. Most antique chandeliers are made of bronze, brass or crystal. The carvings and designs are very intricate making each one almost unique. Being several years old, these chandeliers may use candles, gas, kerosene or whale oil. Some may also use electricity or have been modified to be electric.

Antique chandeliers made of iron, brass or antlers should never be shiny. They can be polished to provide some luster but most owners prefer the old archaic feel that aged metal has. Slim-trim chandeliers may be antique but are not favorites since they do not generate the same ancient aura. You can identify fake antique chandeliers by rubbing the metal firmly with a clean cloth. Antiquing glaze are usually used on shiny metal to make them look older.

Check for signs of age like crusting, rust and darkened edges. It is also possible for some to be in perfect condition if they have been maintained well throughout the years. Sometimes there might be a date engraved carefully in very small text which exactly indicates when the chandelier was made. Another surefire way to guarantee the authenticity of your antique chandelier is to have an expert identify it personally. Have at least two people check to validate completely.