Their Chandelier is soon going to adore the Durbar Hall at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. We are speaking of Crystal Town, a showroom of designer lamps and chandeliers situated near Richmond Circle in Bangalore. Owner-cum-artisan of the showroom Bela Patel learnt the art of making these designer lamps from her mother, Kundan Patel, who is now working on a mega chandelier at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Indian President's Residence in New Delhi.

Bela Patel, who has stocked plenty of aesthetic lamps and chandeliers, told bangalorebest.com that her mother, Kundan Patel started making replicas of antique lamps and chandeliers she had seen at the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad. Initially, Kundan Patel started collecting such antique lamps and chandeliers. But soon she made up her mind to produce replicas of her collection of antique lamps with the encouragement of her husband, Jagadish Patel, relatives and friends. She started the Crystal Town showroom in Hyderabad in late 1960s and since then she has opened up Crystal Town branches at Anand in Gujarat and Bangalore.

Today, major star hotels in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi and many well known personalities are Crystal Town's clients.

Designing crystal lamps and chandeliers came easy to Bela Patel as she used to assist her mother in the designing of lamps. Chandeliers are available even on pavements in Bangalore. When this was pointed out to Bela Patel she said, "One cannot be sure of the quality of the crystals that are used. We work with quality crystals, which contain more lead to make them less breakable," Bela Patel explains. Bela got married and shifted to Bangalore in 1979. She held her first exhibition in late 1994. Occasionally, she exhibits her products at Safina Plaza and other places in Bangalore. Lamps, candle stands, and hanging lamps in traditional, antique or contemporary designs are a feast for the eye at Crystal Town.

At the showroom, you will also find replicas of antique lamps and chandeliers that were used in the homes of rich families, palaces and temples. These reproductions will allow even the average customer to purchase a piece without digging too deep into the pocket. Bela also loves to collect antique driftwood and terracotta. There are chandeliers in 'U' shape, pumpkin shaped ones or those in milky white glass with embossed designs available here. Each crystal product is unique and some have paintings or stained glass work to enhance its beauty. Rounded crystal beads, long crystal beads with a pointed edge or tear drop shaped crystals are used as accessories for their products.

Lamps in attractive designs and colours are available with bulbs. And if power cuts are the city's bane, you can even buy lovely kerosene lamps here.

Walk into this world of crystals and you will find it difficult to resist buying one of the lovely items on sale. Go on, add beauty to your home.

Address:
Ms Bela Patel, The Crystal Town,
# 1, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road,
Richmond Circle, Bangalore - 560 025.
Phone: 2221 9936.

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