Chandeliers have been around for a very long time, although the original designs looked very different those we know and love today. The first chandeliers consisted of nothing more than wooden branched arms and candles for illumination, serving a purely practical purpose with little attention given to ideas like luxury and grandeur. However, this changed throughout the ages, as chandeliers became more ornate in their design and more heavily associated with the ruling classes of Europe. The introduction of crystal glass into chandelier design made chandeliers appear more ornate and refined than ever before, thanks mostly to the light scattering properties of lead glass. The introduction of lead glass was one of the most important steps in the evolution of modern chandeliers, and the crystal chandelier (Kristalllüster) has become the most iconic example of chandelier design.

Despite what many people believe, the crystal in crystal chandeliers is not really made from crystal at all. It is given this name because the light scattering properties produced by lead glass are similar to the light scattering qualities of some crystals. Lead glass is a special type of glass where lead is used to replace the calcium content of a typical potash glass. The lead glass used in crystal chandeliers may look crystal in its appearance, but it lacks a crystalline structure. The development of lead glass which is commonly used in crystal chandeliers and other ornamentation is often associated with Venice and the island of Murano, which is also where the naming convention of crystal was developed in reference to lead glass.

The crystal chandelier is perhaps the most iconic light fixture that has ever existed. Not only have crystal chandeliers played an important role in European history, they have spread all over the world and can now be seen in practically every country on the planet. Lead glass is the essential material needed for the design of crystal chandeliers, although other jewels and metals may also be used. Crystal chandeliers are still widely popular today, and can be purchased from many interior design shops and Internet retailers.