Antique Chandelier Buying Tips

An authentic antique chandelier has long been known as a gorgeous nostalgic piece that is sure to be a welcome addition to any room. While many people admire it for its beauty, one should not also forget its monetary value. Even people who don't consider collecting antiques as a hobby recognize the investment that an antique chandelier is. But because these lighting fixtures can cost you thousands of dollars, you need to learn some important antique chandelier buying tips.

The first tip is to buy these chandeliers only from certified and reputable antique dealers. Finding an honest dealer can prove difficult, considering that the troubled economy has led to the proliferation of dishonest sellers looking to make a quick buck by selling fake antique chandeliers. Start your search for a dealer in your local area first. If they don't have the chandelier you want in stock, you can ask them if they could refer you to other dealers that they recommend. These dealers will also advise you on unscrupulous sellers that you should avoid dealing with.

The second tip is to hire a licensed and certified appraiser. Appraisers have acquired the necessary training to determine if a certain antique is genuine, evaluate its condition, and then put a price range on it. If you already found a chandelier that you want to buy, have an appraiser check the item to see if it is an authentic antique. If you are going to use the chandelier, you might want to inspect the fixture yourself for any damages or defects in the wiring and circuitry.

In some cases, high values are placed on antique chandeliers that have been crafted from certain time periods. For example, Victorian era chandeliers are likely to be very expensive. Equally expensive are antique chandeliers from the Renaissance, Gothic and Rococo Revival eras. Because electricity did not exist during these time periods, these chandeliers utilize candles, kerosene or gas, although some authentic antiques have been restored and installed with electrical circuitry. These ornate chandeliers are made from materials that are in wide use during these periods, such as wrought iron, bronze, brass and crystals.

Once you have brought home your antique chandelier, never forget to do regular cleaning and maintenance in order to give your expensive lighting fixture a much longer life. It is necessary to dust the fixture daily to remove dust and stains that will discolour the metal. Avoid using harsh detergents mixed in water, and instead use metal polish and anti-rust solution. Antique chandeliers that are in need of repair should be brought only to a licensed restorer.