Learn About Venetian Glass JewelryVenetian glass originated from ancient Roman, Alexandrian and Phoenician glassware. Essentially, small segments of differently shaped and colored glass rods – called millefiori – are laid close together and fused into tiny mosaics, each totally unique. It owes its extraordinary beauty to the very complicated and skillful process that was discovered by the glassmakers of Murano in the Middle Ages. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, entirely handmade in the most famous city in the world for glassmaking: Venice.
What is Murano Glass Jewelry?Murano glass is artisan glassware from the island of Murano in Italy. It is roughly one mile north of Venice in the Venetian Lagoon. In the year 1291, all glassmakers in the archipelago were forced to move to the island due to the fire risk they posed on central Venice, which at the time was comprised mostly of wooden structures. The island was initially famous for its glass beads and mirrors, and later its chandeliers.
Because glass was highly coveted during the Renaissance, glassmakers of the time were considered royalty and became some of Venice's most prominent and affluent citizens. Although they were technically not allowed to leave the island, many risked it and set up shops in other cities and even in some neighboring countries.
Murano's glassmakers held a monopoly over quality glassware and were therefore able to refine old technologies and develop new techniques. Some of these include aventurine (goldstone), millefiori (colored glass), crystalline glass, smalto (enameled glass), lattimo (milk glass), and imitation gemstones made of glass. The centuries-old techniques are still used in present-day glassmaking.
Millefiori literally means "a thousand flowers.” Specifically, it is the type of cylindrical glass rod that contains and specific pattern along its entire length so that when cut into slices from one end, the particular pattern is revealed. Each piece or slice is called a “murrine” and usually contains flower patterns.
Creating Murano Glass Jewelry The making of these rods begins with taking a small mass of glass at the end of a metal pole. By dipping this pole into different pots of molten glass of various colors, the volume of the mass increases and results in a mass compound of layers of different colored glass. The enlarged mass of molten glass is then squeezed into a star or flower-shaped mold, which provide the final form of the pattern. A last layer of glass will be applied to maintain the cylindrical shape of the rod. A second metal pole is then attached to the other end of this mass. Two glassmakers, one at each pole, pull the glass in opposite directions.
When the rod is cooled, it can be sliced into the desired thickness, resulting in the production of murrines. These individual pieces are then laid into a mold and melted. The outer-most layer of each murrine will melt into each other. Once cooled it can be removed from the mold and incorporated into making millefiori jewelry.
Authentic Murano JewelryAuthentic Murano glass jewelry is made in Murano, Italy. There are some sellers who will try to pass off mass-produced fake Murano glass items, usually made in China. Glass called "Murano design" or "Murano style" is not actually authentic Murano glass. Sometimes sellers of fake Murano will even put fake Venetian or Murano phrases on the pieces to fool the buyer into thinking the knock-offs are made in Italy. Likewise, some sellers will even print fake labels or stickers to put on their products. To avoid purchasing fake Murano glass online, watch for cheap item prices but high shipping costs. Also, make sure to read everything on a seller’s listing page, especially the fine print. Take a close look at a product before purchasing it. Authentic Murano is expertly made and has fine details, where as its fake Chinese counterpart is usually crudely made with noticible flaws.
Murano Glass Jewelry Care TipsMurano glass should only be cleaned with a very soft cloth, ideally a lint-free or mircofiber cloth. You could even simply use a damp piece of an old t-shirt. Do not use a cleaning rag that may have other cleaning solution residue on it. Any type of harsh chemical cleaning solution could damage the glass and/or the silver or gold setting of your Murano glass ring, earring, bracelet or necklace. Avoid using paper towels, as they will scratch the surface of the glass over time. A good cleaning solution would hot water with a small amount of mild liquid soap or water-diluted rubbing alcohol. If the glass becomes "dry" or dull, use a small amount of mineral oil, rub in circles with a very soft, preferably lint-free cloth, and wipe off excess.
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