Coraline Capiz Shell Wind Chime Chandelier

Real natural Capiz shells.

Each shell comes from the windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) — a flat translucent mollusk native to coastal Southeast Asia. The shells are hand-polished and threaded by Filipino artisans following techniques that have been used for over a century. The natural variation between shells (slight differences in opacity, color, and surface texture) is inherent to the material — not a defect.

If the shells looked identical between fixtures, they would be plastic. The fact that they don't is the entire point of using real shells.

No — Coraline is visually wind-chime-inspired, not audibly chiming.

The strands are designed to hang in graceful vertical cascades. In residential air movement (HVAC drafts, people walking by, doors opening), the shells shift very slightly against each other but don't actually produce audible chime sounds. The "wind chime" reference is about the visual geometry — multiple strands of small elements suspended from a central point — not about producing sound.

If you want active audible chiming, this isn't the fixture for that purpose. If you want a beautiful Coastal chandelier that feels alive without being noisy, this is exactly the right product.

General rule for dining room chandelier sizing — add the room's length + width in feet, then choose a chandelier diameter in inches close to that sum:

· Room 10' × 10' (sum 20) → 19.7" small fits well
· Room 12' × 12' (sum 24) → 23.6" medium is the default
· Room 14' × 18'+ (sum 32+) → 31.5" large anchors the space

By table size:
· 4-6 person table → 19.7"
· 6-8 person table → 23.6" (most popular)
· 8-10 person table → 31.5"

Hang the bottom of the chandelier 30-36 inches above the table surface for proper diner-eye-level clearance. With Capiz shell strands, slightly higher (36-40 inches) often works better so the lowest shells don't enter dining sightlines.

Dry dust periodically — never wet clean.

· Routine: Use a soft microfiber duster or feather duster every 2-3 months to remove dust from the shell surfaces. The shells are individually strung, so the duster gently passes over without damaging the strands.

· Avoid: Water, soap, household cleaners, alcohol-based sprays, or compressed-air dusters. Capiz shells are organic material that can stain or warp with liquid exposure.

· Yellowing concerns: Real Capiz shells naturally maintain their pearl-white color for decades indoors. They will not yellow like cheap plastic substitutes. If you notice any discoloration after years of use, it's most likely accumulated dust rather than the shells themselves degrading.

No — shipping is engineered for shell preservation.

Each Coraline ships in a custom box with the gold frame and shell strands packaged separately. Final assembly is done during installation, which means the delicate shell strands aren't subjected to the vibration that breaks pre-assembled Capiz fixtures during transit.

Installation involves attaching the shell strands to the gold frame using included clips — a process that takes 20-30 minutes for an experienced electrician. We provide detailed step-by-step instructions; many customers also find video walkthroughs helpful (search "Capiz chandelier installation").

In the rare case of a damaged shell during shipping, email us with photos within 7 days of delivery and we'll send replacement shells at no charge.

By exception only — email us before ordering for covered outdoor use.

The Coraline is rated IP20 indoor dry locations only. Standard outdoor exposure (rain, salt spray, high humidity, wind) will damage both the gold finish and the Capiz shells over time.

Acceptable covered-outdoor scenarios:
· Fully enclosed porches with screens or glass walls
· Indoor-outdoor great rooms where the fixture is well inside the covered footprint
· Sheltered patios with no direct rain or salt exposure

Not acceptable:
· Open patios without overhead coverage
· Pool decks (chlorine spray)
· Coastal porches with direct salt-air exposure
· Any installation where humidity exceeds typical indoor levels

Email service@stuberlighting.com with photos of your intended installation and we'll give you a candid assessment of whether the Coraline will hold up in your specific conditions.