Design Extras

 

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Glass beading

Whilst we love the sculptural feel of our unadorned chandeliers, we wanted to experiment with bringing the space between the spheres into focus and adding a more traditional twist to the contemporary look. Karen designed the first beaded chandelier for the Grand Designs show at the NEC in October 2007 and included plain, faceted and lime green lampwork beads on the hanging lines of a large alabaster chandelier. We were delighted with the effect. Since then Karen has developed the idea to include petal shaped quartz beading which is a real favourite of our clients.

Each line is beaded individually as the chandelier is being made and each combination of beads is different. We accentuate the gaps between the spheres to create the illusion of beads suspended in air and also focus on the area around the frame and at the top of each sphere. When a client wants to add beading to their chandelier, we discuss their preferences and whether any colour is to be included. We are happy to send images throughout the making process so we can ensure we are meeting the spec. We have made several pure alabaster chandeliers where the client has chosen to add a hint of colour in the beading alone.

The overall effect is to add detail and twinkle to the overall design. For chandeliers in stairwells there is also a sense of discovery as the beading may not be immediately apparent from the ground floor but is discovered on the journey upstairs.

Because beading is such a labour intensive process it is not an inexpensive option. The cost depends on the size of the piece and it is generally more effective on larger designs. We will provide a quotation on request but as an indication, it would cost approximately £475 to add beading to a 55cms x 150cms chandelier.

Clients who choose glass beading often also choose to include small solid spheres.

Small solid spheres

The inclusion of these beautiful marble like small solid clear glass spheres came about by accident. Karen was working on a design which included pacific sea urchin shells and was looking for a means to suspend them which would also look good from underneath. These worked perfectly and reflected the colours of the glass so beautifully we went on to include them in their own right. They add extra detail and sit very happily within the original design.

We are currently looking into extending this option with some larger clear spheres (approx 5cms in diameter) that are irregular and include bubbles inside the glass and/or frosting.

This cost for this option naturally varies according to the size of the chandelier and we will provide quotations on request. As an indication, it would cost approximately £185 to add these spheres to a 55cms x 150cms chandelier.

Clients who choose small solid spheres often also choose glass beading.