Jar Candles and Conatiner Candles

What are Jar Candles?

When it comes to variety, jar candles or container candles are really the cherry on top! These candles can come in every type of jar imaginable, hence their name. These can vary from candy and apothecary jars to mason jars of all sorts, to novelty jars, and even crockery. You can even make your oil candle into an oil lamp by placing a glass shade over the top. This will enhance the ambience given by the candle as well as the visual effect.

Jar candles, by its make up alone, lends itself to be customized to suit the individual who is it meant for. Jar candles can be personalized with labels and special messages on the outside of the jar. Furthermore jar candles can also serve a dual purpose in that they can also double as aromatherapy candles or even scented candles. In such a case the jar décor combined with the scent or fragrance or essential oil as in aromatherapy candles, can really present you with a wonderful gift. Just imagine the joy and relaxation to be had when burning a jar candle that has lavender in it with a lavender twig as its label.

Jar Candles "Dissected"

Jar candles will have a cored candle wick. Cored candle wicks are generally a paper and cotton mix with a core of tin or zinc to help it remain straight and rigid. You can always test the candle wick by rubbing rub a white piece of paper over the unburned candle wick. If a pencil-like mark appears, the wick contains lead. With a "positive" lead test result you should refrain from burning it as it can lead to lead poisoning.

All candles will produce some soot, but in most cases, if the candle is burning properly, it will not be noticeable. In the event of your jar candle showing soot around the edges of the glass, the candle is smoking excessively, which could be due to a number of factors.

A Note of Caution:

  • First and foremost, all candles should be burned for a maximum of one hour per inch in diameter of the candle. The candle wick of your jar candle should always be trimmed to a quarter of an inch before each burning and during the burning if necessary. You should also follow the label instructions for the minimum burning time on first use to allow the jar candle to build a good wax pool.
  • Jar candles should be placed away from drafts in open spaces where there is enough oxygen flow for the candle to breath.
  • Jar candles may look very pretty on shelves, but if the shelves are close together, soot will tarnish the jar and the shelves and ruin the effect. When buying jar candles online, always look for manufacturers who clearly state that their candles are lead-free.