Capiz Pendant Lights
Capiz pendant lights are made from translucent white shells, which come from a type of shellfish found in coastal waters around the Philippines. These beautiful, paper-thin shells are especially popular to use for lampshades because they have a striking appearance when light shines through them.
Versatile Capiz lights are produced in a dazzling range of designs, shapes and sizes, while the shells are also used in jewellery and for decorative panels on the walls of upmarket hotels. Lighting specialists Angelo's, based in North London, have a great range of Capiz pendants displaying all the beauty of the famous shells, any of which will make a wonderful talking point for your home or business.
Capiz Pendant Lights - click here to see the range at our north London showroom.
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What is the History of Capiz Pendants?
Capiz shells, also known as Kapis, are named after a province of the Philippines, which has recently launched an annual festival including a spectacular Parade of Lights. The shells are the outer casing of a marine mollusc which also produces pearls. It is officially called the placuna placenta, but also has the nickname "windowpane oyster". This is because the shells, which are harvested in large numbers, were in the past traditionally used in windowpanes in the Philippines and other nearby countries as a cheaper alternative to glass.
Another traditional use for the shells was to make star-shaped Christmas lanterns known as paról, which are very popular in the Philippines and are now also made using many other types of material. Today the shells are used for a wide variety of handicrafts and decorations, ranging from wind chimes to jewellery, such as necklaces and bangles. Capiz is even used to create elegant trimmings for items such as designer shoes and handbags.
However, Capiz pendant lights have become the most famous products made from the shells, after the first elaborate, multi-tiered chandelier of this type was custom-made for a firm in San Francisco. These lights are now exported all over the world and also manufactured in other countries, including the USA, where the shells are imported and used by factories and individual designers.
How are Capiz Pendant Lights Made?
First of all, the oysters are harvested in large numbers in the waters around the Philippines, and the flesh is removed. Capiz is famous for its seafood and the meat of the oyster is also normally used for food, so there should be no waste from the process.
After being thoroughly cleaned, the shells are heated in a special oven and cooled and dried. The shells are cut into the decorative shapes needed for the light fitting, then painted or bleached and carefully put together on the wire frame of the light.
Some of the shells which are harvested are also crushed to be used in other products such as wall-coverings, where they create a lustrous, glazed effect.
There are imitation Capiz-style lights available, including some made from plastic, but the genuine shells have a warm and soft glow which those made from other materials cannot exactly reproduce.
What Styles of Capiz Pendants Can I Buy?
Capiz pendant lights which are made in the Philippines are especially prized. The shells can be painted in various colours, but the original white is the most popular because of the effect created by the light shining through.
These lights have an upmarket, designer feel to them, and are popular in hotels, as an unusual alternative to crystal chandeliers. However, they are also ideal for other businesses looking for an unusual lighting centrepiece, and for homes.
Because they are made from shells, they are especially popular with people who want to get away from mass-produced items and prefer something more individual. If you are looking for a light which is unique, has a natural quality and contains the beauty of the sea, then Capiz pendant lights are for you.
Angelo's range includes globe-shaped, modern pendants which would be suitable for a contemporary home or restaurant interior, adding a touch of glamour and excitement. You could also choose a lampshade featuring interlocking white butterfly or delicate flower shapes. Some of the Capiz pendants in the range feature geometric pieces such as circles, giving a modern flavour, while others are more flowing. One design is even built around cascading hearts – making it a perfect choice as a romantic gift for a loved one or when you are seeking a special wedding present.
About Angelo's Lighting
Based in North London, we stock Capiz pendants and a wide range of lighting ranging from traditional to modern designs and including everything from chandeliers to ceiling lights and spot lighting, as well as outdoor and patio lighting. Look at our website to browse some of the huge range of lighting possibilities, or visit our showroom.
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We have 1000's of Pendant Lighting design's in our showroom!
Call us on 020 8482 2688 for more information.