The History of Murano Glass

While also home to Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, when it comes to art Italy thinks beyond the brush. Since the early 13^th century Murano, a small island in the Adriatic Sea, has served as the home to glass artisans recognized throughout the world.  

Glass starts out as a mixture of siliceous sand, soda, lime and potassium and has to be heated to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be molded. In the early days of glass making it soon became apparent that Rome’s wooden buildings did not make a good setting for glass factories. Fires were a frequent hazard in the populous city and as a result operations were moved to the island.

During Murano’s glory days glass makers were considered part of the upper class. They could marry nobles, carry swords and their crimes were overlooked by lawmakers. On the downside, they also were prohibited from leaving the island out of fear of the Murano glass making secrets getting out. Those who were caught often faced getting their hand chopped off! These strict regulations worked. Murano contued to dominate the glass industry until the 18^th century when competing artisans with new techniques started to become prominent in Northern Europe.

Today glass can now be found at every home goods store and there’s no secret to creating mirrors (prime Murano merchandise once upon a time). But the artisans of Murano are still at work creating beautiful pieces of jewelry, dishes, and more. After decades of persistence, the island is now back on top of the glass market.

We have beautiful Murano glass rings at fantastic prices – One for $10 or two $15. Bracelets made with the avventurina technique are also available (so named because of chance mixing of copper flakes with glass that led to it's discovery).

We look forward to seeing you soon both in store and at www.efvillageshop.com.