I must admit when I first opened the box I wanted to send this light back! I decided to start on it, I put together the chandelier first and then I assembled the orb, but leaving enough space to put the chandelier inside and then I closed it up. Don't even bother to look at the directions, it'll just confuse you.I looked at the pic online and I used my common sense and trust me you can do it. Im 38 with only decorating and shopping skills....I emailed thumbtack dot com for an electrician to install. Once he installed I then hung the crystals. I didn't hang them like the pic, because I didn't like it. Notice I strung the crystal beads from the top and attached them to the sconces. I love this chandelier orb, I put it in a seating room over my table. I'm adding photos, but you can only see them from a laptop. Good luck great buy...also Im ordering a smaller one for my eat in kitchen and I'm doing a youtube video of the install and assembly.