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Glass Candelsticks & Candelabra

The fleeting flicker of a candle's flame as it is nestled into a candlestick or candelabra is a timeless and tantalizing feature of an evening dinner table. When those candelabra are honed from crystal or cut glass, the allure is amplified as the glass reflects the flickering flame to create a dazzling play of light.

While such elegant candlesticks might seem commonplace today on the well-set table, they were considered a dining table innovation in centuries past. The candle as we know it today first appeared in ancient Rome in the 6th century B.C. During these early days, candles were relegated to ceremonial functions, but as time progressed, the potential of the candle was realized. By the peak of the Middle Ages, candles had become popular, if not essential, across much of Europe. Thus, the necessity of the candlestick was born, and over subsequent generations, so too did the demand for increasingly elaborate and elegant candelabra options for the aristocratic and regal classes.

In addition to elegant porcelain options, crystal and cut glass candlesticks and candelabra became the favorites of Europe's royal houses. Some makers, such as Belgian company Val Saint Lambert, continue to create designs for royalty today. Others, such as Tiffany, have expanded into elegant yet more affordable crystal candlesticks, which make for ideal wedding or housewarming gifts. Regardless of price point, antique and vintage crystal and cut glass candelabra are a brilliant complement to any refined table.


Quick Facts

  • Though the Romans gave us the first of what we call a candle, evidence tells us that the Chinese were experimenting with a type of candle made from whale fat as early as the 3rd century A.D.
  • The name "candelabra" originates from the old French word "chaundelabre," which roughly translates as "candle tree"
  • A pair of rock crystal and gilt-copper candlesticks sold for a record price at Christie's London in 2002. Created by an Italian craftsman in the 18th century, the pair sold for $203,677

Recommended Items at Auction

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Three Pairs of Graduated Glass Candle Holders, H of Tallest: 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.)
Nov 05, 10:00 AM EST
Three Pairs of Graduated Glass Candle Holders, H of Tallest: 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm.)
by Weschler's
Est: $50- $100
$454 Bids
A trio of glass chandelier candlestick holders (H:30.5cm)
Nov 07, 1:00 PM AEDT
A trio of glass chandelier candlestick holders (H:30.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD253 Bids
A pair of crystal table candelabra 19th century Height 39cm
Nov 06, 5:00 PM AEDT
A pair of crystal table candelabra 19th century Height 39cm
by For-Auction
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD2202 Bids
STUDIO VENINI
Nov 12, 3:00 PM CET
STUDIO VENINI
by Aste Boetto SRL
Est: €300- €350
€3001 Bid
(2) LARGE HURRICANE PILLAR GLASS & RESIN BASE CANDLE HOLDERS
Nov 08, 10:00 AM CST
(2) LARGE HURRICANE PILLAR GLASS & RESIN BASE CANDLE HOLDERS
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $200
$801 Bid
2 LE Smith Amethyst Glass silver overlay Candlesticks candle holders
Nov 10, 6:30 PM EST
2 LE Smith Amethyst Glass silver overlay Candlesticks candle holders
by A KLEINS AUCTION GALLERY LLC
Est: $10- $300
$101 Bid
Two Pairpoint metal and glass votives
Nov 20, 10:00 AM CST
Two Pairpoint metal and glass votives
by Jaremos
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
Pair Emerald Green Cut To Clear Candle Votives
Nov 09, 10:00 AM MST
Pair Emerald Green Cut To Clear Candle Votives
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
BIANCONI FULVIO VENINI
Nov 12, 3:00 PM CET
BIANCONI FULVIO VENINI
by Aste Boetto SRL
Est: €500- €550
€5000 Bids
Chip Scarborough 'Anemone' Glass Candlestick
Nov 07, 11:00 AM EST
Chip Scarborough 'Anemone' Glass Candlestick
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $25- $250
$250 Bids
Timo Sarpaneva "Festivo" Glass Candlesticks, 7
Nov 12, 11:00 AM EST
Timo Sarpaneva "Festivo" Glass Candlesticks, 7
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1000 Bids
Val St. Lambert Glass Candlesticks, Pair
Nov 12, 11:00 AM EST
Val St. Lambert Glass Candlesticks, Pair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $100- $200
$250 Bids
Pair of Crystal Candlesticks and Glass Candlestick
Nov 09, 10:00 AM EST
Pair of Crystal Candlesticks and Glass Candlestick
by Kaminski Auctions
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
Jacques ADNET (1900-1984) Suite de six bougeoirs d…
Nov 16, 10:30 AM CET
Jacques ADNET (1900-1984) Suite de six bougeoirs d…
by Osenat
Est: €800- €1,200
€8000 Bids
(2 Pc) Hollywood Regency Gilt & Crystal Candelabras
Nov 14, 11:00 AM EST
(2 Pc) Hollywood Regency Gilt & Crystal Candelabras
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $100- $1,000
$500 Bids
Wilbur Orme "Pristine Table Architecture" Candleholder
Nov 09, 10:00 AM CST
Wilbur Orme "Pristine Table Architecture" Candleholder
by New Orleans Auction Galleries
Est: $250- $400
$1500 Bids
Pair of Crystal Candlesticks with Prisms
Nov 09, 10:00 AM EST
Pair of Crystal Candlesticks with Prisms
by Kaminski Auctions
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
HAND PAINTED GLASS WOOD MATCH AND CANDLE HOLDERS SET
Nov 10, 10:00 AM EST
HAND PAINTED GLASS WOOD MATCH AND CANDLE HOLDERS SET
by Antique Arena Inc
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids
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2pc Vintage Cambridge Triple Candle Holders
Nov 10, 2:00 PM EST
2pc Vintage Cambridge Triple Candle Holders
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$100 Bids
Faceted Glass Candlesticks, Pair
Dec 03, 11:00 AM EST
Faceted Glass Candlesticks, Pair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $200- $400
$250 Bids
Timo Scarpaneva "Marcel" Glass Candlesticks, Pair
Dec 03, 11:00 AM EST
Timo Scarpaneva "Marcel" Glass Candlesticks, Pair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $200- $400
$500 Bids
Vintage clear glass ribbed finish candle holder
Nov 05, 7:00 PM EST
Vintage clear glass ribbed finish candle holder
by Omni Auction Corp
Est: $20- $30
$80 Bids
A collection of eight silver-plated glass candlesticks. H. 25 cm.
Nov 07, 7:00 PM CET
A collection of eight silver-plated glass candlesticks. H. 25 cm.
by Medusa Auctioneers
Est: €10- €0
€100 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Glass Candelsticks & Candelabra


Auctions at Showplace

Auctions at Showplace

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry

Akiba Galleries

Akiba Galleries

Elstob Auctioneers

Elstob Auctioneers