Edwardian Silver Candlesticks,Edwardian Era Silver Candlesticks

Silverware was one of the most prized possessions of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Various goods were molten down from the white metal for decorations. Though the pocket pinch on silver is high it has always been quite moderate as compared to gold which in turn has perhaps made it more popular for decorations.

Silver candlesticks were one of the most favourite silverware before the advent of electricity. The advent of electricity though stole the limelight from the candlesticks; they are still a dream of many. The first silver candlesticks were made out of sheets of silver. It usually accompanied a hollow stem and was quite fragile.

The casting methods were brought in practice after the 1700s by the Huguenot silversmiths. However sheet silver came back in business soon again thanks to the developments in industrial methods by the Sheffield and Birmingham silversmiths. Candlesticks came in a very few varieties and designs before the advent of die-stamping. A basic candlestick would be a broad base accompanied by a thin stem sometimes with a nozzle at the top.

The Edwardian era was known for changes. Be it colours or designs everything went through a wide variety of changes thanks to the new monarch. The fashion of this era spoke of light shades of brighter colours. Complex carvings and designs were shown the way out and more sober and simpler designs became the trend. This lead to a fashion we still follow, that of simplicity.

Candlesticks were widely made in the Victorian era. In the 1900s however, with the advent of electricity the making of candlesticks became restricted only for decorative purposes. A typical example of a silver candlestick made the Edwardian era would be one of the art and craft style. This design of candlesticks usually came with round bases featuring capital and drip pans.

Rivet detailing was another unique attribute of this style of candlesticks. Another example of an Edwardian silver candlestick would be a one with an octagonal base. Also featured here are sunken fluting and removable sconces. A border of reed adds to the beauty of this candlestick. The simplicity of these designs is noteworthy. There are no complex carvings or intense linings and borders included.

You will come across many such candlesticks in antique shops worldwide. Though only a few are left in good shape its really a visual treat to watch one of these.