Why Pay More For Our Lighting? Copper and Tin vs. Base Metal

I am frequently asked why our lighting is more expensive than company X. My response tends to be “Lots and lots of details and some major differences.” I’m noticing recently that many consumers base their judgments on what they can see at major lighting centers and base their idea of price on that. However, you will not see our quality of lighting there. We sell primarily to the trade. Ours is handmade in Connecticut and Massachusetts by skilled workers making American wages with benefits. (Think GREEN – we also recycle all scrap). We pride ourselves in using high quality materials, like copper and tin for our lanterns and sconces. What we use is heavy gauge and made to last. Others use something called a ‘base metal’. I’m told by salespeople in the box stores that most lighting will last 10 years, while ours will last generations.

Our structural materials are of critically higher quality, but our patinas are where we shine. Ours are organic, living finishes. No two are exactly the same – we don’t spray on a finish to look oxidized/verdigris. Instead, we use a procedure that is time-consuming, temperature and humidity controlled, we fine-tune until it looks right. It we were to rush the process, we would loose the uniqueness of our products and become another lantern on the shelf of a major lighting center.

Scofield Historic Lighting has just added a $10K to our facility to improve our efficiency while improving the quality- a rare feat. After the patina is fixed, the bronzed and leaded copper get hand buffed. We don’t apply plastics to the finishes – we prefer to allow the metals to age gracefully.

Restoration Glass is not standard – there is no comparison. We can also provide seeded or etched upon request. This detail adds a lot to our cost but it’s just more beautiful.

Some of the heft of our lighting is in the folds, hems and seams. These details add a level of solidness to the lighting that is subtle but distinct. Our proportions are classically influenced. We feel the lighting should reflect the grace and quality of the architecture it is chosen for.

Feel free to call us to discuss more specifics – we love to share what we know.

Featured in INK MAGAZINE

Recently, we were lucky enough to be featured (eight, full-color pages) in INK Magazine's December issue, a statewide publication showcasing "finer living in Connecticut & abroad."

The photographs of our showroom and workshop are luscious thanks to photographer Caryn B. Davis. Interestingly, many readers have asked about the necklace worn by owner Doreen Joslow in one of the photos. The necklace is a one-of-a-kind piece crafted of extra material left over from our popular beech leaf sconces. One of the artisans strung together the extra leaves for fun and Doreen occasionally wears the necklace. The golden leaves are striking and sadly, we don't have any plans in becoming jewelers. For now, we will remain makers of fine lighting for the home which, I guess, could be considered a jewelry of sorts.

Rarities Ready to Ship

One of a kind rarities will be available through our website beginning this weekend. It is indeed rare when our clients can get immediate gratification when they see a showroom or online item they want, as our lead time is generally 10 – 12 weeks.

We have interesting, unique lighting that was once crafted for our permanent collection, but we no longer create outside of custom orders. After all if we kept multiples of every item we crafted for clients, we’d be a museum of lighting instead of a manufacturer of lighting.

Each of the items you’ll find has a story, including reproductions of items found in prestigious historic museums and preservation societies, with others a craftsperson may have liked the model and created additional fixtures. For the first time, we are offering items that can be seen, purchased and shipped within a week. We’ve got other trunks of chandeliers, sconces and lanterns to view and assess.

Once these items are purchased, they’re gone. It makes me want to pull items out and keep them for myself, but maybe you will get to them first!