FLATLITE® incorporated into new swarovski chandelier

A new lighting technology has helped world-famous crystal company, Swarovski, to reinvent the chandelier for its "Crystal Palace" collection.

Flatlite, described as "the world's widest, thinnest, longest lightbulb" is the first production electroluminescent (EL) lamp, and is different from other EL technologies because it is manufactured in long continuous rolls that are up to 760mm wide and more than 365-metres long. This unique manufacturing process means that ­ unlike other EL products, which are silk screen printed and therefore limited to a specific size shape and connection location ­ Flatlite has the ability to be easily fabricated into a choice of widths, lengths and shapes. This, and the fact that is thinner than a credit card, made it the perfect light source to fulfil Swarovski's aim of developing innovative and revolutionary chandeliers through a combination of exceptional design with flawless crystal.

The result was the NEST chandelier ­ an organic shape, which many consider old-fashioned today ­ that merges the historical craft of crystal, with modern, practical design and 21st century lighting technology. The lighted nest is made of FLATLITE® lamp and a cocoon of crystals. It has a hollow opening that surrounds the viewer, presenting a sparkling view from the inside.

FLATLITE® was chosen as the light source for the new chandelier as it is less costly than organic LEDs, and its thinness creates a compelling effect because the light source is not obvious, giving an almost magical glow.

Nest has been made in two sizes. The large Nest stands almost four metres high, weighs 600lbs and includes 7,500 Swarovski crystals. The smaller Nest, now in production, is one metre tall and features 2,100 crystals. It will be launched this autumn and is a full featured dimmable consumer chandelier that mixes crystal with the practical need for modern lighting. The FLATLITE® transformer is contained within the upper hood structure of Nest.

The large Nest was unveiled at the Salone de Mobile in Milan and has since been exhibited in New York during ICFF where the chandelier hung in the city's first YMCA currently being renovated by the Apartment Design Group.

FLATLITE® is available in the UK from Amber & Green, Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ; tel: 0208 288 3565; www.amberandgreen.com FLATLITE® is a registered trademark of E-Lite Technolgies Inc.