Murano Lampwork

Murano Glass Used in Beaded Jewellery

Murano glass is one of the best known and most glamorous types of glassware and jewellery items.  To be called Murano it must be made in the Venice lagoon on the island of Murano. Venetian is another term which can be used for glass made in the surrounding area but might well not be Murano glass.

They have been making glass in Murano for centuries, passing skills from father to son for generations and utilising and building upon technical skills imported from Asia and so at around the 10th century they became well known for being able to produce top quality glass which nobody else could match.  Luckily Venice was a strategic port for both east and west trade which greatly helped the influx of new ideas and fashions and also provided the vital and easily accessible markets. Whilst the glassworks were originally built in Venice, the Murano glassworkers transferred to the island because of the huge risk of fire from the hot furnaces which was too risky for the city.

Nowadays they handwork the glass in the same kinds of hot furnaces and the skills that have been built up are immense. Murano glass simply radiates superb colour. To make glass beads firstly they produce coloured rods by incorporating different additives and then the coloured glass rods are melted in the flame with a softening agent called flux and turned by hand on a copper mandrel. This mandrel is dissolved to release the bead and so there is no powdery residue as there is in other makes of lampworked, or flame worked beads.  In addition they also can blow the glass to make less dense lighter glass beads. Different techniques like summmerso, and aventurine with added gold flakes and the famous millefiori all help to add the very wide choice of styles of Murano glass beads.

Murano glass jewellery beautifully combines the age old traditions with today’s bright and modern look – genuine Murano glass has an inner glow and is truly special when compared with imitations.  As it is handmade it does not have that mass produced quality which again makes it so special.

Today there are about 70 or so different companies making Murano glass each with their own designs and traditions. Murano glass ornaments and vases show some of the incredible glassmaking skills that these skilled workmen can produce.

How can you tell if you have Murano glass?  It isn’t always easy but Murano glass beads, like hearts for example, do not have a grey powder appearance inside in the hole, the colours are truly vibrant and an item like a small Murano heart on a silver chain is very unlikely to cost only a few pounds or dollars.  Always make sure you buy from reputable vendors.

About the Author

The author loves Murano glass jewellery. For more information, visit http://www.kyrenedesigns.com.

Fenice

Green Blue Helix Twist Lampwork Murano Glass Pendant Earrings Set $2.58

new handmade heart lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p674 $0.99

lpc beautiful flower lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p641 $0.99

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question mark Lampwork Murano Pendant Necklace p0299 $0.99

1 pair abstract Murano Lampwork Art Glass Murano beaded Earrings er378 $0.99

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5pcs Murano Lampwork Glass charm bead for bracelet b054 $0.99

1 Buy = 5PCS Silver and Gold Plated Alloy Charm Beads, High Quality With Sterling 925 Silver Brightness, 4.5mm Threaded Core, Matching Lampwork Murano Glass Beads for European Style Bracelets and Necklaces, Well Compatible with Pandora, Troll, Biagi, Caprice, Dione Chains $5.99 TaoTaoHas is a wholesaler of jewelry. We are dedicated to providing quality products at fair prices and with trushworthy services. Our bead family fits Pandora Charm bracelet, and interchangeable with Pandora charms/beads! will stand up beautifully to the test of time and wear. All our beads compatible with Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, and Troll beads! NOTE: Pictured chain (if any) is not included….

1 Buy = 5PCS Silver Plated Alphabet Letter Alloy Charm Beads, High Quality With Sterling 925 Silver Brightness, 4.5mm Threaded Core, Matching Lampwork Murano Glass Beads for European Style Bracelets and Necklaces, Well Compatible with Pandora, Troll, Biagi, Caprice, Dione Chains $4.49 TaoTaoHas is a wholesaler of jewelry. We are dedicated to providing quality products at fair prices and with trushworthy services. Our bead family fits Pandora Charm bracelet, and interchangeable with Pandora charms/beads! will stand up beautifully to the test of time and wear. All our beads compatible with Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, and Troll beads! NOTE: Pictured chain (if any) is not included….

1 Buy = 5PCS Silver Plated Alphabet Letter Alloy Charm Beads, High Quality With Sterling 925 Silver Brightness, 4.5mm Threaded Core, Matching Lampwork Murano Glass Beads for European Style Bracelets and Necklaces, Well Compatible with Pandora, Troll, Biagi, Caprice, Dione Chains $4.49 TaoTaoHas is a wholesaler of jewelry. We are dedicated to providing quality products at fair prices and with trushworthy services. Our bead family fits Pandora Charm bracelet, and interchangeable with Pandora charms/beads! will stand up beautifully to the test of time and wear. All our beads compatible with Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, and Troll beads! NOTE: Pictured chain (if any) is not included….

.925 Sterling Silver Stamped European Turquoise Hawaii Ocean with Flowers Murano Glass Bead Charm $6.45 You don’t need to travel all the way to Hawaii as along as you have this bright blue bead, adorned with beautiful Hawaiian flowers. This bead has a .925 sterling silver core, and is suitable for 3mm Cable European Charm Bracelets. It is interchangeable with other European bead charms, and is compatible with Pandora, Troll, Chamilia, Biagi & other styles of European bracelets. Quality beads sell at…

Silver Core Bright Red with White Swirls Murano Glass Bead Charm $6.45 This bright red glass bead with creamy white swirls bead has a .925 sterling silver core, and is suitable for 3mm Cable European Charm Bracelets. It is interchangeable with other European bead charms, and is compatible with Pandora, Troll, Chamilia, Biagi & other styles of European bracelets. Quality beads sell at wholesale price. We will ship as pictured (no duplicates). All beads are brand new. …

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Murano Style Art Glass Folding Purse Handbag Hook Hanger $8.99 Finally, an elegant way to protect your purses and handbags. Our beautiful purse hooks will keep your bags off the sticky floor and out of harm’s way. Like Mom used to say, “Keep your friends close and your handbag closer.” Using our handy purse hook keeps your tote in sight not hanging from your chair behind your back where it’s easier for others to access….

Fashion Jewelry ~ Blue Flower Heart Murano Glass Pendant with Blue and Black Beads Necklace and Earrings Set $19.95 Blue Flower Heart Murano Glass Pendant Necklace and Earrings Set…