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Chandeliers, Fixtures & Sconces

The world chandelier is derived from the French word “chandelle,” meaning “candle holder.” The first chandeliers, which appeared in the 14th century, were fairly utilitarian in nature. The original design consisted of two wood beams in the form of a cross with a spike at each end to hold a candle. Mainly found in churches, abbeys, and other large gathering places, the high cost of even these rudimentary chandeliers meant only the wealthy could afford to own them.

Chandeliers remained a symbol of status and wealth, often showcased by royalty and heads of state. Chandeliers continued to become more elaborate and ornate as materials and production techniques improved. Intricate carvings in embossed wood, precious metals, glass embellishments, and crystals are all common construction materials.

In the early 1800s, gas became the standard for lighting and many existing chandeliers were converted to gas. This process repeated itself with the introduction of electric lighting. Antique chandeliers from various periods are highly coveted pieces of art that bring a touch of old-world elegance and craftsmanship to any space.


Quick Facts

  • The world’s largest Bohemian chandelier is a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier comprised of 750 lamps and was gifted to the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul by Queen Victoria
  • The chandeliers that adorned the Titanic can still be found suspended over ballrooms, grand staircases, and dining rooms within the ship’s wreckage at the bottom of the North Atlantic
  • Italian designer Giulio Salviati’s one-of-a-kind 19th-century crystal glass gothic chandelier is estimated to be worth over $1,000,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Three pendant lights, Height 31cm Diameter 31cm
Apr 29, 7:00 PM AEST
Three pendant lights, Height 31cm Diameter 31cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD8011 Bids
Sculptural Gilt Chandelier C. 1950's - Spanish; Golden Wheat Sheath Chandelier 27"X13"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Sculptural Gilt Chandelier C. 1950's - Spanish; Golden Wheat Sheath Chandelier 27"X13"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$1006 Bids
French Louis XVI-Style Chandelier With 8 Arms And Multiple Beaded Crystal Strands 26"X26"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
French Louis XVI-Style Chandelier With 8 Arms And Multiple Beaded Crystal Strands 26"X26"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$705 Bids
French Empire Style Chandelier; 12 Light With Long Strands Of Crystals 24"X24"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
French Empire Style Chandelier; 12 Light With Long Strands Of Crystals 24"X24"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$1105 Bids
Mid century chromed six armed eyeball chandelier (55 x 50cm)
May 01, 10:00 AM AEST
Mid century chromed six armed eyeball chandelier (55 x 50cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD705 Bids
Early Large Gilt Metal 12 Candle Wall Sconce 52"X28"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Early Large Gilt Metal 12 Candle Wall Sconce 52"X28"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$154 Bids
LUCHTER SCHELPEN
Apr 29, 2:00 PM CEST
LUCHTER SCHELPEN
by Campo & Campo
Est: €100- €200
€1004 Bids
Pair of Vintage French Style Italian Light Crystal Chandeliers,
May 06, 7:00 PM AEST
Pair of Vintage French Style Italian Light Crystal Chandeliers,
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD704 Bids
Vintage Italian Tole Gilt Leaves With White Porcelain Flowers Wall Sconce 7"X15"X20"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Vintage Italian Tole Gilt Leaves With White Porcelain Flowers Wall Sconce 7"X15"X20"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$153 Bids
Vintage Italian Tole Gilt Leaves With White Porcelain Flowers Wall Sconce 7"X15"X20"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Vintage Italian Tole Gilt Leaves With White Porcelain Flowers Wall Sconce 7"X15"X20"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$153 Bids
Italian Gold Gilt Style Floral Bouquet 3 Light Wall Sconce 18"X21"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Italian Gold Gilt Style Floral Bouquet 3 Light Wall Sconce 18"X21"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$153 Bids
PR VICTORIAN HANGING PARLOR LAMPS.
Apr 30, 9:00 AM CDT
PR VICTORIAN HANGING PARLOR LAMPS.
by Jackson's International
Est: $200- $300
$1002 Bids
Dutch-Style Brass Twelve-Light Chandelier
May 08, 10:00 AM CDT
Dutch-Style Brass Twelve-Light Chandelier
by Neal Auction Company
Est: $300- $500
$1252 Bids
Pair Of Antique Mantel Lusters With Hanging Crystal Prisms; Working Condition. 5"X12"X17"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Pair Of Antique Mantel Lusters With Hanging Crystal Prisms; Working Condition. 5"X12"X17"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$102 Bids
Pair Of Italian Gold Gilt Candle Holders With Hanging Crystal Prisms 10"X15"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Pair Of Italian Gold Gilt Candle Holders With Hanging Crystal Prisms 10"X15"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$102 Bids
Antique Art-Deco Polychrome Highly Decorated 5 Light Chandelier 20"X20"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Antique Art-Deco Polychrome Highly Decorated 5 Light Chandelier 20"X20"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$252 Bids
Original Green - White Porcelain And Enamel Swivel Pendant Light Fixtures 16"X12"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Original Green - White Porcelain And Enamel Swivel Pendant Light Fixtures 16"X12"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$52 Bids
Pair Of Vintage French Style Gold 10-Light Solid Wall Sconces; Working. 13"X19"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Pair Of Vintage French Style Gold 10-Light Solid Wall Sconces; Working. 13"X19"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$202 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Chandeliers, Fixtures & Sconces


San Luca Casa d'Aste

San Luca Casa d'Aste

Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden

Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden

Westport Auction

Westport Auction