The installation was not simple, but it's a beauty when it's in. The crystals that go around the drum are already in place (and they give you a bag of extras). The longer/larger crystals you will attach yourself, they are on a jump ring that is easy to open and attach to the small loops on the fixture. The crystals are plastic or acrylic - they are not glass, but they sparkle like they are. Just don't let them bang or scrape into each other and they won't get scratched up. I think this chandelier is so pretty......does it look like it cost a fortune? No, but it looks pretty good and it's extremely sparkly!