Durable Tole Chandeliers
Back in the days where stainless steel is unheard of, chandeliers that were made to withstand time were hammered into design from iron. The chandelier would then be lacquered (or enameled) with a layer of valuable element such as bronze or copper or even gilded with gold for a classier look. Others would be polished to provide a glossy surface for the reflection of light from the candles or in recent times, light bulbs. With the lights on, you will be surprised at how elegant a tole chandelier can look despite being made from less glamorous metals. Certain antique tole style chandeliers are made using remarkably skilled workmanship and effort. Additionally, genuine tole finish chandeliers are believed to be made totally with rivets and no soldering.
In addition to that, enameled surfaces also allowed for hand-drawn paintings. The glossy look of enameled painting highlighted the use of natural colors, which might have suggested the reason behind the chandelier makers’ unrelenting choice for floral themes. It is not surprising then to see pink bouquets of flowers with butterflies as a stem-piece of a tole chandelier during the early 19th century period. Furthermore, this is further enhanced with swirling vines of green leaves circling iron roses of yellow and red. These designs are outstandingly fabulous when lit up against the darkness.
Apart from that, braided metal strands are another personal favorite of chandelier makers who place complexity as one of their design requirements. More recent tole styles enlist the use dangling streams of glass or crystal to heighten the chandelier’s elegance. Hailing from Italy or France, tole chandeliers may sell from several hundred dollars to as high as $6,000.
