I'm gonna MAKE it shine with or without bulbs! My latest treasure came to me by way of my husbands grandmother. I really have no idea how old it is but after doing some extensive research (Googled 1930's and 1940's light fixtures) I came up with this image from an antique dealer.
This beauty is from the 1930's and has a very similar makeup. The tier design, the crystals and the way that they attach to the chandelier, and even some of the fundamental pieces for the underneath support frame look almost identical. So, I'm going with the notion that my lovely is this girl's cousin. And although this is what I saw from the minute the dusty box she had collapsed in and spent many years (I like to think waiting for me) was plunked down on my dining room table; this is what everyone else saw.
YIKES! And there were more crystals floating around at the bottom of the box than there were on it! I'm not gonna lie, it was a little overwhelming at first. I knew that it would take a LOT of make up to fix this old gal up. The wiring was shot, or more accurately, chewed. One of the bulb receptacles looked like it had exploded.
She was filthy and tarnished and so so neglected but I was grateful that she had ended up in my hands and I was determined to restore her glamour..
First up was to remove the remaining intact crystals and bring her down to her bare bones. I determined that I was not able to rewire it because that one bulb receptacle was so badly blown out, it was not repairable. I would have to discard the electrical components completely. It was fairly easy to pull the wire out and disconnect the light box from the fixture. Structurally it looks the same and even though I know that there was no other choice but to remove it, I do wish that it could have been salvaged. I can only imagine how much more stunning she would be lit from within. Sigh.
The next task was to restore the finish on the frame. This was accomplished with my old friend Rub 'n Buff. This stuff is incredible. It will go over practically anything and make it look like a beautiful antiqued metal, patina and all. I also happen to think it looks very authentic.
Finally, each individual crystal had to be hand cleaned (Windex! All I can think of is the Dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and some (and by some I mean most) had to be reconnected after having fallen off their wires. There were almost 300 !!!!!! Most unbelievably is that they were ALL there!! Every last one. After all these years. I thought for certain I would have to be doing some fancy math to compensate for missing crystals in order to make it look like the chandelier was SUPPOSED to look like that. It was exactly in that moment that I KNEW that she was meant for me.
Truthfully, I envision this refined lady in my only-in-my-dreams dressing room shining over my antique vanity (restored by yours truly of course) and my vast collection of Jimmy Choo shoes and Chanel and Versace couture. But, alas, unselfishly, I have decided to put her on display for ALL to enjoy in my living room. After all, it was only right to share her with my in-laws.
And although she is not illuminated by electricity, (I think) her allure is blinding.
Finally, each individual crystal had to be hand cleaned (Windex! All I can think of is the Dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and some (and by some I mean most) had to be reconnected after having fallen off their wires. There were almost 300 !!!!!! Most unbelievably is that they were ALL there!! Every last one. After all these years. I thought for certain I would have to be doing some fancy math to compensate for missing crystals in order to make it look like the chandelier was SUPPOSED to look like that. It was exactly in that moment that I KNEW that she was meant for me.
Truthfully, I envision this refined lady in my only-in-my-dreams dressing room shining over my antique vanity (restored by yours truly of course) and my vast collection of Jimmy Choo shoes and Chanel and Versace couture. But, alas, unselfishly, I have decided to put her on display for ALL to enjoy in my living room. After all, it was only right to share her with my in-laws.
