The glass pendant first became popular around the turn of the century, when homes were switching from gas lighting (which required glass shades) to electric. The ability to show wealth by exposing your bulbs, and therefore your trendy new electricity, was one of the first home decor trends in lighting. Still as relevant today as then, this styles evokes the classic though it features upgrades like oil rubbed bronze, adjustable hanging lengths, and LED compatibility -- so you rarely have to get on the ladder to change the bulb.