Glass Lamp Finials

 

Do you know what a lamp finial is??  From Wikipedia:The finial is an architectural device, typically carved in stone and employed decoratively to emphasize the apex of a gable or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. Smaller finials can be used as a decorative ornament on the ends of curtain rods or applied to chairs and furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons. The charm at the end of a ceiling fan pull chain, or a lamp pull chain is also known as a finial.

Architectural finials were once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on broomsticks attempting to land on one’s roof.^{[citation needed]} Finial is also a term given to straw animals at the ridges of thatched cottages.^[1] Finial maker is the term given to the artisan that makes the straw animal.

During the various dynasties in China, a finial was worn on the top of the hat’s civil or military officials during formal court ceremonies. The finial was changed to a knob for other daily usage (including semi-formal ceremonies).

Beaver Island Jewelry has started making lamp finials in handmade Italian glass!  And I’m having fun making them so need to sell some!

 

Shown here are some of the finials made so far.  They are various sizes, colors and prices.  Also one lamp or fan pull in a pretty Venetian gold!

 

The glass is made the usual way with Italian glass melted with a torch into various shapes, then put into the kiln for 8 hours to harden, or anneal, the glass.  I think they are great on top of lamps, adding a little sparkle and light to your lamp.  Now I’m going around my house looking for lamps that need a glass finial on the top!

Shown here are some of the finials that I have made already.  I will show some of the sizes and prices but will sell through my ETSY shop:  BrownDogGlassBeads or at The Pear Tree in Dixboro (Ann Arbor), Michigan.  Prices range from $35 to $60.