Imperial Crystal Vs. Strass Crystal

Simply the Best

• Strass crystal chandeliers are the best of the best when it comes to the gems that hang from a base unit. Industry experts consider Strass the leader of the pack, because each gem is crafted to display the highest level of clarity with the least amount of internal flaws.

  Imperial crystal chandeliers, created by James R. Moder, mimic the Strass perfection in some cases, but each individual crystal is not made with the highest-quality crystal overall. In simple terms, Imperial crystal is the cubic zirconium to Strass' diamond.

Grading

• Strass crystal chandeliers are crafted from the finest crystal in Austria and are given a -00 grade in quality -- the highest possible score. Imperial crystal chandeliers are crafted from a combination of high- and low-grade crystal and carry a -22 rating, halfway between Strass and the lowest grade of -44. The high-grade crystal gems used in Imperial chandeliers hail from Austria, the Czech Republic and Egypt, so you still have a shot of getting a near-Strass brilliance, if you find the right mixture of high- and low-grade crystal gems.

Manufacturing

• Strass crystals are machine cut to ensure each bulb has the perfect angle for focal point and prism brilliance. Once the crystals are cut, they are hand-polished by an artisan who covers each crystal with an optical coating to protect the bulb. This coating makes cleaning your Strass crystals easier, as it protects the bulbs from dirt and dust.

  Imperial crystal chandeliers combine high-quality crystal with a lower-grade crystal, thereby reducing the overall cost of the lamp. Most Imperial chandeliers have the lower-grade crystal gems toward the inside or center of the unit, with the higher-grade crystals on the outside to reflect a more brilliant light.

Pricing

• Strass crystal chandeliers are naturally more expensive than Imperial. The quality of the crystal and the handcrafted artisanship behind these beauties warrant a price tag that confirms they are at the top of their class. Those seeking a luxurious chandelier without budget constraints might want to invest in the Strass.

  Imperial crystal chandeliers offer an above-average brilliance for a much lower price than Strass. For the budget-conscious consumer, an Imperial chandelier still adds a breath of sparkling beauty to your dining area, without breaking the bank.