Lighter Side of Elegance

0hh, the elegance. The grandeur. The interesting styles of the chandelier. The fun of shopping to find one.

With some of the most interesting antique stores in Northern Virginia, the hunt for unique illumination can be, oh so much fun. And when you happen upon a quaint little shop where the owners are just as interesting and appealing as the antiques they sell, the experience is priceless.

There is one such place in the village of Aldie, a beautiful spot packed full of little boutiques, bakeries and history. A new addition to this village is Bella Villa, owned by Rossana Smith and Linda Nancy Calabrese.

When you walk into Bella Villa, your eyes are treated to an array of gifts, angel statues, beautiful antique tables and chandeliers. And you may encounter the owners sharing some cheese and crackers or pasta with friends, or rearranging items but they'll be happy to stop what they are doing to find out what your pleasure is.

“We love getting to know the people who buy the antiques,” said Smith. “We get to know the pieces and its fun to know where the pieces finally find a home.”

The shop is filled with conversation while the owners welcome old friends as well as new ones. “We always have people to talk to,” she said. “We have a lot of fun.”

Getting to know the owners of your favorite antique store is a great way to research what you are looking for, especially when it comes to chandeliers. Of course you never know what you'll find when you walk into a store. At Bella Villa, you may find a Florentine piece or a Tuscan, or perhaps a Spanish crystal chandelier.

There are quite a few wonderful antique shops in our local area such as Iron Horse Antiques and Delisle Antiques in Manassas. Iron Horse Antiques has two floors of beautiful and special pieces like Partner's desks, Kunsler Civil War prints, and wingback chairs. Delisle Antiques and Gifts has a tradition of stocking jewelry, Civil War items and accent pieces with more than 35 years of networking. The staff is continuously on the look out for the unusual.

In Catlett, there are many interesting shops including Auctions By Hartman; and Gainesville is a great place to shop with places like A&B Antiques of Buckland. And sometimes, you just have to take a road trip to place like Spurgeon Lewis Antiques in Alexandria that specializes in late 18th and early 19th century furniture, period accessories, paintings, engravings, mirrors and lighting. Some of the most beautiful chandeliers can be found here along with plenty of expert advice and knowledge.

It can be confusing when shopping for chandeliers. Here are some descriptions of some of the lighting out there.

Crystal chandeliers are considered the most emblematic type, using cut glass to create a shimmering effect. This chandelier is very classy and romantic and perfect for those who are looking for elegance and old-world charm.

Beaded and shell chandeliers are similar to the crystal lighting, but are made with beads or shells instead of crystals. A favorite of this kind of chandelier is the capiz shell with a mother of pearl finish. The beaded or shell chandelier is considered very feminine and does not usually have the weight involved with a crystal chandelier.

Murano glass chandeliers where once created only in Murano, Italy. But today the style which involves curvy, tubular forms made out of blown glass is created in other places as well.

Metal chandeliers are finished with brass and wrought iron, among other materials and involve many styles to suit one's tastes.

For more information visit www.bellavilla.nova-antiques.com; www.manassasonline.com/ironhorse; www.delisleantiquesgifts.com; www.auctionsbyhartman.com; or www.spurgeonlewis.com. To contact A&B Antiques of Buckland call 703-753-7569.

--L.A. Eaton