Step inside the workshop.
Since 1863, the Gommers family has handed down a craft that we would like to share with you, by taking you inside our workshop.
Making a candle is a journey: a series of precise steps that turn raw material into a refined object. Follow that journey through our workshop and see how each candle comes to life in the expert hands of our artisans.
Wax, the essential raw material.
It all starts with wax. We select the finest waxes so that every one of our candles burns slowly, evenly and perfectly.
Solid by nature, wax has to be transformed before it can be worked. Heated slowly, it gradually melts and becomes the foundation of every creation.
Shaping.
The wax is then poured into moulds or containers, depending on the model. Moulds allow us to create a variety of shapes: cylinders, tapers, balls or multi-wick candles. Once out of the mould, some candles need to be carved with precision, skill and finesse.
Containers, for their part, call for more complex techniques to ensure an ideal burn. Wick tension, the exact balance of waxes and fragrance: a delicate equilibrium that only the best chandlers know how to master.
The artisan’s hand.
Once carved, our candles are dipped one by one using the techniques of our forebears, which gives them their finishing coat. They emerge from the dip in vibrant colour.
In the workshop, every candle is handled and examined by our chandlers, because for us every detail matters!
The finishing touch.
Every creation goes through one last essential step: quality control.
Each candle is carefully inspected to make sure it meets our most exacting standards: appearance, stability, burn. Nothing is left to chance. Once approved, it is carefully packed, protected and prepared for shipping.
An invitation to discover our candles.
Through all these steps, each candle follows its own path, shaped with patience and care.
This process is the very essence of our work: transforming raw material into an object of light and elegance.
Monsieur Gommers' tips.
On this page you will find the instructions for each of our products, along with general advice that applies to all our candles.
For all our candles
- We recommend placing your candle somewhere sheltered from draughts.
- Always keep your candles at least 10 centimetres apart, to avoid hot spots that could warp them or cause dripping.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading. Our colours are vivid, and some shades may react more quickly than others.
- Never leave a lit candle unattended.
- Never move a candle while it is lit or while the wax is still liquid.
- If a small “mushroom” forms at the tip of the wick, put the candle out, let it cool, then carefully remove the ball by trimming the wick.
- To put it out, we recommend blowing gently on the flame with your hand held behind it, to avoid splashes of liquid wax.
- Before relighting, make sure the wick is no longer than 1 cm. If necessary, trim it with scissors or a wick trimmer.
- Store your candles at room temperature, away from damp.
Advice by product
La 30
- Make sure the candle stands perfectly straight to prevent any dripping.
- Never move a candle while it is lit or while the wax is still liquid.
- Don’t leave your candle lit for less than 15 minutes.
- Once the candle has burned down to 1 cm above its bevel, it has reached its end. Put it out and do not try to relight it.
- To put it out, we recommend blowing gently on the flame with your hand held behind it, to avoid splashes of liquid wax. You can also use a snuffer if you prefer. Take care not to crush or break the wick: hold the snuffer 1 to 2 cm above the wick and wait for the flame to go out on its own.
- For candles with a special finish, such as gold and silver candles: after the first use, the finish may close over the wick and prevent relighting. If so, scrape around the wick with a small knife, then relight the candle. Take care not to break the wick while doing so.
- Keeping them in their original box is one of the best ways to preserve their shape and colour.
The Retro
- This model is a perfect fit for Nagel candlesticks and their reissues.
- La Rétro is a more delicate candle that needs extra care when you place it in a candlestick. We recommend holding it by the base and gently twisting it as you push it in. This anchors it firmly in the holder.
- Make sure the candle stands perfectly straight to prevent any dripping.
- Don’t leave the candle lit for less than 15 minutes.
- Once the candle has burned down to 1 cm above its bevel, it has reached its end. Put it out and do not try to relight it.
- Keeping them in their original box is one of the best ways to preserve their shape and colour.
Ball candles
- Always place your candle on a flat surface. We recommend using a stand to protect your furniture, especially wooden pieces. On a glass surface, you can set the candle down without a stand.
- If you would like to place your candles in a hurricane lamp, leave at least 10 centimetres between the candle and the glass. Avoid hurricane lamps that are too tall, as they can starve the flame of oxygen and put it out.
- Keep your candles at least 10 centimetres apart. This avoids hot spots that could warp them or cause dripping.
- Don’t leave the candle lit for less than 15 minutes.
- Don’t let it burn for more than 4 hours at a time: this could cause the candle to lose its shape.
- To put it out, we recommend blowing gently on the flame with your hand held behind it, to avoid splashes of liquid wax. You can also use a snuffer if you prefer. Take care not to crush or break the wick: hold the snuffer 1 to 2 cm above the flame and wait for it to go out on its own.
- Before relighting, check that the wick is no longer than 1 cm. If needed, trim it with scissors or a wick trimmer.
Scented candles
- To avoid unmelted rims of wax, we recommend leaving the candle lit until the whole surface has melted evenly.
- Don’t let the candle burn for more than 4 hours at a time.
- To put it out, we recommend blowing gently on the flame with your hand held behind it, to avoid splashes of liquid wax. You can also use a snuffer if you prefer. Take care not to crush or break the wick: hold the snuffer 1 to 2 cm above the flame and wait for it to go out on its own.
- If rims of wax remain, carefully remove them from the container with a knife. Don’t push them towards the flame: this could drown the wicks and put the candle out.
- Before relighting, check that the wick is no longer than 1 cm. If necessary, trim it with scissors or a wick trimmer.
Multi-wick candles
- Always place your candle on a flat surface. We recommend using a stand to protect wooden furniture. On glass furniture, you can place the candle directly on top.
- If you would like to place your candles in a hurricane lamp, leave at least 10 centimetres between the candle and the glass. Avoid hurricane lamps that are too tall: a lack of oxygen could put the flame out. We recommend a slightly raised hurricane lamp (about 0.5 cm at the base) to create an airflow, which helps the candle burn well and prevents overheating.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your candles to fade and lose their shape.
- Don’t light it for less than 45 minutes.
- Don’t let it burn for more than 4 hours at a time.
- Before relighting, check that the wick is no longer than 1 cm. If necessary, trim it with scissors or a wick trimmer.
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