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 Fans & Lighting, 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
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Finish Quality
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Product Design
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Workmanship
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Light Bulbs & Technology
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Brand Value
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Example Lighting Rating:
6LT Napa Chandelier by Kalco Lighting
Item |
Description |
Rating |
Materials Used
|
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) |
 |
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) |
 |
Product Design
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Base Score = 3.0 Original Design (+2.0) |
 |
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 like Kichler Lighting 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.
![Quality Light Fixture Materials Bronze, Wood, Brass, Silver Light Fixture Materials]()
The most common materials and the values we give each are: (Start with 3 Stars)
Things that increase a light rating:
Element |
Rating Boost |
Solid brass, stainless steel, and copper finishes |
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Crystal (Swarovski) |
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Wrought Iron, Iron |
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Blown Glass (Artesian Glass, Hand Blown Glass) |
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Seashell (Mother of Pearl, Mussel Shell, Capiz Shell, Oyster Shells) |
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Stone (Alabaster, Slate, Calcite) |
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Cast Aluminum |
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Wood |
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Acrylic |
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Resin |
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Things that decrease a light rating:
Element |
Rating Deduction |
Spun Aluminum |
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Metal |
 |
|
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Finish Quality
The finish quality of a light fixture is a necessary element when determining the overall value of the light fixture. There are many different quality levels to consider when rating the value of the overall finish. A good way to determine this is looking at a fixture type like
brass outdoor lighting and see how the finish lasts over time in the elements.
The most common methods of applying a finish to a light fixture are: (Start with 3 Stars)
Things that increase a light rating:
Element |
Rating Boost |
Unfinished Copper (natural patina over time) |
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Unfinished Brass (natural patina over time) |
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Unfinished Stainless Steel |
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Marine Grade (very durable) |
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Acid Finish (color produced by an acid applied to brass or copper) |
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Nickel Plated (very durable) |
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Hand Painted (faux finishes, an artistic element is added to the finish value) |
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Polished Finish |
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Powder Coating (most common) |
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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?
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:
Element |
Rating Boost |
Manufacturing Processes that Reduce Environmental Impact |
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Commitment to Energy Star Rated Products |
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Good Customer Service and Problem Resolution |
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Accurate Ship Times |
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+90% Product Availability |
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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.
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