Q. What are the historical roots of Tiffany? A. Louis Comfort Tiffany was the son of Charles Tiffany, the famous New York City jeweler. Tiffany became a legendary artist, painter, designer and architect who thrived in the late 1800s to the early 20th Century. He invented new methods of creating stained-glass lamps using a new type of glowing, Favrile iridescent glass, which is indelibly associated with the name Tiffany. He was a world traveler and was inspired by much of the art and antiques of Europe, and in response he created many Roman and Mediterranean designs, among several other styles.

Today, several different companies including Dale Tiffany, Kichler, Quoizel, Meyda handcraft Tiffany reproductions using the same type of glass and designs that Tiffany himself used. These companies also create their own original designs as well.

Q. Who were some of the other important early pioneers of Tiffany-style lamps? A. There were other studios doing various types of decorative lighting. One was Duffner and Kimberly, and Meyda Tiffany has a reproduction collection of its lamps in its line. Another was Handel Studios, well known for painted and leaded glass shades with quality that rivaled Tiffany's. In addition, the Pairpoint Corp. produced reverse-painted, three-dimensional floral table lamps during the 1920s. Other artists who were developing Nouveau and Mission designs were William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley. Their designs were a little different from Tiffany's, but they all used art and stained glass.

Another company, Quality Bent Glass, manufactured Tiffany-style lamps for Tiffany studios and is also credited with making the original Coca-Cola® chandeliers. Quality Bent Glass was founded around 1900. Meyda Tiffany acquired the company about a decade ago and continues to use the original tools, molds and techniques.

Q. What are some of the more popular styles in Tiffany and other art glass designs right now? A. Stained-glass windows and fire-place screens, some of which are Tiffany or Frank Lloyd Wright designs, are popular. Quoizel also has their Autumn Ridge Series of outdoor lanterns and indoor lamps and fixtures with hand rubbed bronze frames. Additionally, Meyda offers the Old Forge Collection of American-made custom-crafted steel lighting and accessories that incorporate art glass shades with wildlife designs, featuring the Lodge look that is popular today.

Q. What style of decor compliments Tiffany? A. Tiffany lighting works with almost anything. Perhaps the best word to describe the look is "eclectic." Using art glass and Tiffany's famous copper-foil construction process, Meyda has introduced many looks in decorative lighting. From the new Metro line with a contemporary look to fleur-de-lis, sunflower, grape and rose styles, Meyda integrates Old World craftsmanship with fresh, new looks and original designs. Most importantly, custom Tiffany and other art glass lighting and decor can be created in nearly any design and size imaginable