Natural Himalayan Salt , Tall Round Metal Basket lamp with Dimmer Switch | 8-10 lbs

UPDATES added (2013 & 2022) at end of this review.This lamp was one of my husband's birthday gifts. I was searching for something, well---way out there. A funky, novelty gift---something he had never seen before.I wasn't, however, prepared for the high quality of this lamp. It blew us both away! This is NOT a small lamp; it is heavy, well constructed, and it has presence. It would not be missed, in any room. Once we arranged the salt crystals to our liking, and flipped on the switch, we both simultaneously let out a BIG, 'ahhhhhhhh!' We would never have believed that such a small light bulb, would illuminate every crystal, to the point of appearing like a basket of fire. It actually looked inviting, like if we held our hands over it, we could warm them. And, the glow that filled the room was beautiful---not to mention complementary to every complexion. The crystals remained just slightly warm, even when the lamp was on for several hours.One of the things we immediately noticed, as the lamp warmed, was that we actually could smell the salt and the effects of the negative ions. According to the packaging, "A scientific study has shown that the lighted salt lamp increases the negative ion count up to 600%." I believe it, when it was overtly noticeable.So, it seems this 'novelty' gift has unexpectedly earned the status of a special treasure, beautifying our living room, and perhaps providing health benefits, as well. My hubby swears that he has already noticed a difference with his allergies, and the general freshness of the room.The basket is easy to set up, but will shed some salt in the process, so it's a good idea to work on a surface that is easily cleaned. It is recommended to be placed on some type of place-mat. I would also be very careful if you have small children, or pets. They may be attracted to these crystals---they ARE salt, and DO taste like salt, so they may want to put them in their mouth. It is also very heavy; a child could pull it off a table on themselves.If you're looking for a holiday gift, I couldn't recommend this lamp more highly. The history, alone, will wow most people. We're looking at pink salt crystals that have been harvested, from the Himalayan mountains, from a 250 million year old natural salt deposit. Then the crystals are sent to local artisans to craft the lamps. I find that fascinating!If you are remotely interested---this is a must have. Treat yourself, a friend, or loved one. I can almost guarantee there will be NO disappointment.UPDATE: 06/24/13. My lamp is still going strong with only two bulb replacements since purchase. It's still a focal point for curiosity and complements from those who have never seen such a lamp. Interestingly, Amazon now sells the replacement bulbs, at a good value, which have been a little hard to find.UPDATE: 11/12/22. My lamp has been on 24/7 since purchased in 2010. Yes, twelve years of performance. I've only change the bulbs a few times over the years. I use a low watt bulb (I think it's 4 watts now) that still lights up the salt bowl well. Mine doesn't have a dimmer. It only has an on-off switch. I wouldn't have found a dimmer switch useful. I still recommend the salt lamps. This one has been a joy for over a decade.

I am going to confess that I am not a review writer, but I am definitely a review reader! So for me to write this review, it must be for a great product! I have to say that I am absolutely in LOVE with this Salt Light. I recently started using YL essential oils and want to incorporate more natural things into my life to get healthier. I AM NOT A HEALTH NUT, but kudos to those who are because I wish I took better care of my body! So in the YL oil facebook page I am a part of with my group, someone mentioned using their oils on their "salt lamp" to heat up and disperse the oils. My eyebrows went up and I asked, "Salt Lamp?? Hmmmm?? Sounds weird to me!" So I Googled it and read about its air purifying information and decided I needed one in my home. Since I am an Amazon junkie, I immediately went to Amazon and scanned through all of the ones they had to offer. I chose this one because of the great price and how pretty it looked. Let me just say, this picture does it NO JUSTICE! When this lamp is plugged in and lit up, it is seriously one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I love the look of crystals and geodes and such, and this rates right up there with them on the "good looks" scale. It emits this beautiful amber colored glow, and it literally gives off the most calming feeling. My husband took it out of the box and turned it on the other night (because I am notorious for buying something and not setting it up right away) and I didn't know he did it. When we turned the light in the living room off to watch TV, it immediately cast its beautiful glow throughout the living room and I was like, "Woooooooaaaahhhhh. That. Is. Amazing!" I felt so relaxed and comfortable. I have seriously never would have expected a simple little LIGHT to have that kind of effect on me! It really is unbelievable! I mean, it's JUST A LIGHT, right? I can attest to the fact that it is so much more! In addition, it also has a solid, sturdy feel to it (it is quite heavy, so be careful) and an equally sturdy dimmer switch attached to it. So you can cast as much glow as you'd like. On it's highest setting, it is pretty bright...I would not say you could read by it, but it will light up your whole living room with a soft glow--enough for you to see as you are walking around. I will also admit that I was intrigued by the "pink salt?" that makes up these rose-quartz-looking chunks. Salt is pink?? Huh. So I stuck out the tip of my tongue and YEP, it's salt! I cannot comment on the air purifying effect in my house yet, but if you purchase this simply as a decorative lamp, you will not be sorry!