This candlestick is aluminum, finished in antique gold and hammered across the surface, so it catches light along the dents before a candle is anywhere near it. It looks like heavy brass and lifts like nothing — and it will never need polishing, because it can't tarnish.

One on a mantel works. Three down the middle of a table at different heights is where they really earn their place, which is how most people end up buying them. Underneath, the base is padded with velvet, so nothing gets dragged across a wooden table.

Available in three heights: Small is 34 cm, Medium is 48.5 cm, and Large is 58.2 cm, each on a base between 11.7 and 14 cm across. Every candlestick fits standard tapers, about 2.2 cm across, and makes a wedding or housewarming gift that looks more considered than it costs.

Note: candles aren't included.