Del Mar Designs - Lighting Rating
There are many elements that come together in the process of creating
light fixtures, and each one of these elements has a different level of quality from different manufacturers. At Del Mar Designs, we have a lighting review system based on the level of quality that the manufacturer puts into each element for each light fixture.
We then average the elements for an overall light fixture rating: from 1 star being the lowest overall quality, to 5 stars being the highest overall quality light fixture we carry.
The list of elements used to determine the overall value of a light fixture are:
- Materials Used
- Workmanship
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- Finish Quality
- Light Output Technology
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- Product Design
- Brand Value
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| Item |
Description |
Rating |
|
Materials Used
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Base Score = 3.0
Blown Glass (+1.0),
Wrought Iron (+1.0) |
 |
|
Workmanship
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Base Score = 3.0
Handcrafted in the U.S. (+2.0),
Hand Forged Wrought Iron (+2.0) |
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|
Finish Quality
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Base Score = 3.0
Hand Painted (+1.0) |
 |
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Light Output Technology
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Base Score = 3.0
Halogen (+1.0) |
|
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Product Design
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Base Score = 3.0
Original Design (+2.0) |
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Brand Value
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Base Score = 2.0
Lower Environ. Impact (+1.5),
Good Customer Service (+1.0),
Accurate Ship Times (+1.0) |
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Overall
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Average of other elements |
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Materials Used
Manufacturers use a variety of different materials to create a light fixture. Some materials are valued higher than others; these higher value materials create a longer lasting, more precious and more durable lighting fixture than the average.
The most common materials and the values we give each are: (Start with 3 Stars)
Things that increase a light rating:
- +
Solid brass, stainless steel, and copper finishes
- +
Crystal (Swarovski)
- + Wrought Iron, Iron
- + Blown Glass (Artesian Glass, Hand Blown Glass)
- + Seashell (Mother of Pearl, Mussel Shell, Capiz Shell, Oyster Shells)
- + Stone (Alabaster, Slate, Calcite)
- +
Cast Aluminum
- + Wood
- + Acrylic
- + Resin
Things that decrease a light rating:
- - Metal
- - Spun Aluminum
Product Design
Product Design is another important factor in the overall value of a light fixture. Many manufacturers hire accredited product designers and engineers to design their lighting fixtures, these manufacturers are the manufacturers that usually produce original product designs. It takes accredited designers to identify trends in an ever changing industry and well designed products to support that change.
Above: A fixture of the Belgrave Square Collection from
Fine Art Lighting being assembled.
The most common design related values are: (Start with 3 Stars)
Things that increase a light rating:
- +
Good Design Award Recipient - This award is given out by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, starting in 1957
- + Light Fair Awards - A variety of awards are gave out at this International Lighting Show
- + Original Design - Some lighting designs have become so successful that they are copied by other lighting manufacturers
- + Accredited Designer Light Fixtures - Premier designers such as Jessica McClintock, George Kovacs, & Cristina Saralegui, Roberto Pamio, Marco Piva, etc. design these lighting fixtures
- + Matching Canopy Design - Design Engineering is involved in creating the light maintaining standards and complementing the whole fixture with decor
Things that decrease a light rating:
- - Builder Grade Lights - These lights are comprised of the basic, universal design
- - Original Lighting Design Knock-Off
Brand
The final element we include in the Del Mar Designs Lighting Rating is the brand value. Many brands talk the talk about contributing to a better future, but which ones really walk the walk?
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Casablanca Support team
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Commitment to the Environment
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Fulfillment Center
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We have identified the following brand qualities that we believe have value: (Start with 2 Stars)
Things that increase a light rating:
- + Manufacturing Processes that Reduce Environmental Impact
- + Commitment to Energy Star Rated Products
- + Good Customer Service and Problem Resolution
- + Accurate Ship Times
- + +90% Product Availability
This completes the Del Mar Designs Lighting Rating description, Please call (800) 724-5501 if you have any questions about the way we rate our lighting products.
