Silver candle holders always bring back sweet memories to me. In my mind I see my mother lighting the Shabbat candles in our family candelabra, blessing each child as she lights another candle. Being items that are often passed on from generation to generation much like many Judaica gifts like the silver Kiddush cups, these candle holders are usually not just beautiful but full of meaning and history as well.
There are many traditions as to the number of candles which a woman lights. Although the absolute minimum of candles is one, the Jewish sages say that at least two candles should be lit. In many families it has become tradition to light a candle for every member of the family, and with each child born into the family, another candle is lit forever.
Also, people who abide by the kabala light seven candles and even ten candles. Although it is very popular to light with white wax candles, many people today return to the traditional oil. If people want to glorify the Mitzvah, they use olive oil which is considered the highest quality oil there is for lighting. Because olive oil is often much more expensive, some people light a mixture of olive oil with regular oil.
Yet at the end of the day, what is most important is to see the light and feel the warmth from the lit candles every Shabbat and holiday, knowing that the gorgeous silver candle holders are here to stay.