A review of metallurgical history will reveal the evolution of wrought iron from its primarily utilitarian and practical functions to intricate décor such as wrought iron chandeliers.
During Olden Times, people see iron as a very common metal used to make various implements for the home and industry as well as for war weapons like swords and cannons. The use of iron for chandeliers and other décor was never entertained by ironsmiths. Because it is considered a lowly metal, craftsmen would choose brass, bronze, silver and gold to create chandeliers instead of iron.
There is a question on why ancient craftsmen did not find it appealing to use iron for chandeliers. This is because iron is one of the toughest materials around, owing to its very small carbon content. To be able to create the necessary shapes and designs, they need to heat up or melt the metal at very high temperatures.
Things changed between the 19th and early 20th centuries because of the Industrial Revolution, which saw manufacturing and ironworks improving by leaps and bounds, and which consequently paved the way for chandeliers and other décor made from wrought iron.
Iron manufacturing is accomplished by means of two methods. You first have the traditional method that is being utilized by iron craftsmen. Entirely hand-crafted, these chandeliers are created by ironsmiths by heating the metal in forges and, when malleable enough, are hammered and bent into intricate designs. Considering the fact that they are difficult to make, you will most likely need to pay more for this chandelier, but it would be money well-spent since you will be assured that no other person would have one just like it.
To meet the huge demands for chandeliers, factories manufacture cast iron chandeliers. In this method, iron is first melted in enormous vats, poured into molds and then cooled, allowing for mass production of lighting fixtures.
Whether you are buying a hand-crafted or cast iron chandelier, you are guaranteed of owning an elegant and long-lasting lighting fixture. However, you should not neglect regular maintenance just because it is durable. For your precious chandelier to endure for the following decades, there are basic rules on maintenance that you need to observe.
When installing your chandelier inside the home, always place it in a cool and dry spot. Moisture can cause the iron parts of your chandelier to rust and corrode. Call a maintenance service so that they can treat your chandelier with anti-rust and other protective solutions.
For chandeliers with bronze, brass and silver plating, you will need to apply metal polish or spray-paint the surfaces with lacquer to prevent stains and tarnish from developing.
When it comes to the non-iron parts, make sure that you dust or wipe them (with mild soap and water) regularly, so that dust, dirt and grease will not accumulate and lessen the intensity of light of your chandelier.
If you are in the market for a chandelier, wrought iron chandeliers are considered to be among the most affordable. Visit your local lamp shop or surf through online light retailers for the many wrought iron chandeliers that are available.