Maurice Chandelier, Atlanta

The owner was condescening and rude to me and his sales assistant. I have made a large purchase from this store in the past three years. I did not expect to be remembered. However, I was shocked at the flippant way I was dealt with while being prepared to write the check for the purchase. I turned on my heel and left. I would advise all others that there are many better choices for antique lighting in Atlanta, including Miami Circle, where the owners are actually happy that you are there, not arragontly annoyed that you are in his space.

Maurice Chandelier has an amazing selection of restored antique chandeliers. Really, it is second to none in the breadth and quality of its offerings, at leaset in Atlanta. However, the prices are also quite high and they are not customer oriented. What I mean by the last comments is that other places will always give at least a 20% discount if you have a designer, not them ("maybe 15%"). Also, once you buy it, you cannot return it or exchange it for store credit (they "sometimes" will accept items for an eventual consignment sale). When you combine high prices (nothing I liked under $10,000) with a no returns policy (even with restocking fee--nope), I don't want to take the risk of getting the fixture home and then disliking it, or realizing it is too big, or what have you. I inquired about paying them to bring it by our home (local) and seeing if it fits before buying, nope. No dice. They say take a picture then take picture to blue print shop then hold the picture up and (hope you have it blown up to right size) and see if it works. This is an interesting notion, but one I am not enthusiastic about. Comparing this shop to "The Big Chandelier" in Atlanta is instructive. TBC is less pricey, their chandeliers are mainly NOT restored. They sell new as well as used. However, they do have some lovely old pieces that they will restore for you and deliver. If you are not happy, they will swap out for you. You can also take it home, trade up, etc. Their selection is not nearly as exensive, however, their attitude and customer service have won us over. Also, their prices for equivalent merchandise seem, at least to my eye, to be considerably better. The downside to TBC is that their selection is not nearly as extensive and as high end (mostly) and you have to imagine what the chandelier will look like once it is restored.