Should My Crystal Chandelier Be Silver or Brass?

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One of the harder things for our customers to decide on is which metal finish to use on their crystal chandelier. We've always offered 2 standard finishes: Shiny nickel or shiny brass. However, with patience and a little extra payment, we can have the few metal pieces plated in other colors.

But, back to the original question: how do you decide which? I think of it like I would a diamond ring in a setting. If you choose a silver colored setting (silver, platinum, white gold), the stone's brilliance is enhanced by the less obtrusive metal color. The silver tones blend into the sparkle of the diamond. If you choose gold, then there is a bit of a contrast between the setting and the stone, making the framework part of the show.

Similarly, a crystal in a framework of silver (chrome or nickel, shiny or not) has nothing to get in the way of the sparkle. You see more of the pieces of crystal than you do the body of the chandelier. A gold framework, glows through the crystal, separating it a bit visually and making it a bit warmer.

Choosing a bronze would have a similar impact as the gold - enhancing more of the framework. Depending upon the type of chandelier, this may make a crystal chandelier look aged.

There is no particular reason to choose one over the other, though people think of the using a gold framework if they have a large gold mirror that will be reflecting the chandelier; however, the silver will work in such a situation.

Our best advice is to go with whichever color you like the look of.