Monday, October 6, 2008

Murano Glass Jewelry - The Finest Glass Jewelry in the World

By Richard

The Vatican is not the only place that Italy is famous for. To a mile north of Venice there is an Island called Murano. The Island which was once an independent commune is now a part of commune of Venice. Murano is famous for its glass, jewellery and glass beads. Murano's has monopoly in glassmaking and they craft crystalline glass, enameled glass, glass with threads of gold, multicolored glass, milk glass and imitation gemstones made of glass which it crafts to near perfection.

For centuries people have looked up at Italy for its craftsmanship in making Murano Glass. Silica is an essential element in manufacture of Murano Glass. Color is added to liquefied silica which is then given the required shape. The look of the glass is enhanced by adding gold engraving or enamel painting. To make Murano Glass to look more beautiful layers of contrasting color is added which is known as Sommerso or sunken glass. Sommerso is used for making vases or sculptor.

Venetian glass gets its name from Venice where it was originally developed in thirteenth century. The glass was primarily manufactured in Murano. Today the art of Venetian glass making is not limited to Venice but has spread to other European cities as well. Venetian glass like Murano glass is made from silica which is liquefied first and then converted to required shape and size. Gold, Aquamarine, Silver, Ruby Red are some of the popular colors that are then added to make it look more attractive.

There are different methods which can be used to manufacture Murano Glass Beads. The glass master has to be very careful while manufacturing beads because the making of color canes and the adding color to it is a very delicate process. It takes years of experience to learn this craft. Seed Beads (Conterie), Chevron beads (Rosetta), Lace Beads (Millefiori) and Blown Beads (Venetian Blown Beads) are all forms of Glass Beards from Murano.

Italian Glass crafted in Murano is known for its unbelievable lightness, delicacy and intricate workmanship. For seven centuries Italian glass crafted at Murano is considered to be the finest in the world. It is only now that the people have come to value its craftsmanship. Up till 1970's the art was considered to be old fashioned. Later the designs were modernized and people began to appreciated the change. This brought about huge demand for Italian glass.

Murano Glass Jewelry is famous for its blend of contemporary and modern looks. The intricate mix of color, the design and the workmanship makes it a much desired form of Jewellery. The chic pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces have an aura of beauty around them. Sterling silver, oxidized silver, 14 carat gold, cultured pearls, cubic zirconia and other precious gems are used either individually or in combinations to make Murano Glass Jewelry. The jewelry so created is extremely beautiful and wearable. - 15366

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