If lighting is the jewelry of the home, a flickering lantern near the front door is a big rock of a diamond.

At Flambeaux Lighting in Metairie, experienced craftsmen build gas and electric lanterns that are designed to be historically relevant. The French Quarter Lantern is considered the original style, with four sides. Other styles are six-sided.

“There’s nothing quite like a handmade copper lantern,” said Stephen Guepet, managing partner and business director. “That's one of the reasons designers often come to us when they're looking for that ‘wow' factor as a centerpiece to show a client.

"We primarily fabricate from copper, but also from brass and stainless steel. Each fixture is hand-riveted at our factory, located next to the Louis Armstrong Airport.”

He co-owns the 25-year-ol

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