'One of the jewels in the country': Volunteers hand-polish iconic Pabst Theater chandelier

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Volunteers got an early start at the Pabst Theater Tuesday morning, Jan. 16 -- cleaning the iconic chandelier. 

The piece weighs more than one ton and it was lowered at 7 a.m. for its annual cleaning. 

Volunteers hand-polish the 33,000 crystals that make up the chandelier. 

With the help of maintenance staff, they will also check the over 125 bulbs. 

While it is a tedious task, volunteers say they are determined to preserve the incredible fixture. 

"It's extremely important. I also volunteer with VISIT Milwaukee, and we promote the city. This is one thing I can talk about it. And I do talk about it. When I'm out there, I'm like, 'Have you been to the Pabst? You've gotta see it, it's one of the jewels in the country. You definitely have to go and see it," said Sandra Wicker, longtime volunteer. 

The chandelier is hand polished every year to support the upkeep of the Milwaukee landmark.