Candlesticks
06.06.06By Lorraine Newberry
Candlesticks tend to create romantic images in my head. I think of a Victorian era heroine gliding through the night with a candlestick in her hand, illumined by the glow of the burning candle. Or pulling the candle from its candlestick to melt sealing wax on a letter. Yeah, I read too many historical novels, how did you guess?
Anyway, the first candlesticks used sharp spikes called pickets, which were pressed into the candle, holding it in place. Around the middle of the 17th century the socket type candlestick came into use. A small cup or socket was used to hold the candle in the candlestick. This remains the most common type of candlestick used today.
By the beginning of the 18th century, candlesticks were reflecting the design of furniture. When the fashion in furniture was ornate rococo design, candlesticks followed suit. When the sleek shapes of art deco became the rage, the style was also seen in the candlesticks of the time. To this day, candlesticks tend to follow furniture fashions. Even so, candlestick makers often create new candlesticks using designs from long ago, so collectors must be aware that a candlestick that looks old could actually be quite new.
Though candlesticks have been used in homes since the 1300s, it is difficult to find candlesticks made prior to 1800 and older candlesticks are usually quite costly. Over the years, candlesticks have been made from a number of materials, including wood, porcelain, pewter, brass, iron. However, glass and sterling silver remain two favorites for collectors of candlesticks.
Sterling silver was used to show a family’s wealth and beautiful antique silver candlesticks can still be found today by the determined collector. Glass candlesticks are also beautiful, less costly and easier to find. Colored glass candlesticks are usually more valuable than clear crystal ones. Etched glass candlesticks also tend to bring better prices than plain ones.
I adore the romantic, old-fashioned look of a table set with crisp white linens and gleaming sterling silver tableware. It reminds me of something out of a Katherine Hepburn film set in the forties. Candlesticks, coasters, salt & pepper shakers, silverware – I just love collecting that stuff. All that beautiful silver needs to be taken care of properly, though, to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for caring for silver.
When the silver is not on display, wrap it in silver storage cloths which are designed to limit the formation of tarnish. These can be found at jewelry shops and stores where silverware is sold. The silver can then be placed in a plastic bag or storage chest.
