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Czech glass is a particular term in the chandelier industry. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of glass-blowing in Czech countries since the 9th century. Discoveries in Northern Bohemia (Jablonec), together with bills of sale, support the hypothesis that a glassworks has been running in this locality from the mid 14th century onwards. Czech glass - symbol of quality, craftsmanship, unique style, beauty and surprisingly low prices - has been sought-after since the 17th century and dominated the European chandelier market. Pure colorless glass called "Czech crystal" produced at that time in Bohemia - of a composition ideal for engraving and cutting - shone superior for more than a century amongst other crystal glass. When it was discovered, a hundred years later, that addition of leaded oxide markedly improved even further the crystal's optical qualities, leaded crystal originated and spread throughout the whole world. In 1724 the glass-cutter Josef Palme obtained a Royal warrant for chandelier production. The first chandelier producing workshop was launched in the small village of Prácheň, near the city Kamenický Šenov in Northern Bohemia. These crystal chandeliers led the field in Europe until the mid 18th century, and they influenced the evolution and style of future chandeliers all over the world. Czech crystal chandeliers were sought-after by the aristocracy of the time. The palaces of the French King Lewis XV., the Austrian Empress Mary Teresia and the Russian Czarina Elizabeth were among those admiring the perfection of the original Palme chandeliers. Czech crystal chandeliers, symbols of good taste, wealth and gentility, became as prestigious as expensive jewelry. The glitter of Czech crystal chandeliers magnifies the lustre of castles and palaces of heads of states world wide, and illuminates parliaments, governmental residences, universities, concert halls, cathedrals and sanctums across the globe. Czech crystal chandeliers hang, for example, in Milan's La Scala, Rome's Royal Opera, in Versailles, in the Petrograd museum and in the residence of King Ibn Saud at Riyadh. Czech crystal chandeliers are deservedly called "crystal sun" - a sun which never sets and which forever remains the jewel in the crown of the Czech glass craft. More information about czech glass Would you like to know more about Czech glass, its history and our chandelier production technology? More information on these pages:
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