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The what, where and how of Murano glass!

Murano is a commercial port located off the shore of Venice, Italy. A major attraction for tourists and a favorite destination for art glass lovers, glassmaking on the Venetian island has earned worldwide fame. By the 16th century, almost half of the island’s population was involved in the glassmaking industry. Such was the finesse of their craftsmanship that they monopolized the market almost overnight.

A strive to develop new techniques and refine existing ones grabbed the attention of traders all across the globe as they flocked to the Venetian island of Murano for smalto, millefiori, lattimo (crystalline glass, colored glass, milk glass respectively). Today, the traditional techniques are still being used and a further diversification of products has turned Italian Murano glass into a rich industry. From contemporary glass lights to chandeliers and classy Murano lamps, Murano glassware is being produced largely for export and sale to tourists. Museo Vetrario (glass museum) traces the history of glassmaking from the very start to where it stands today. It even displays samples dating back to the Egyptian times. The museum has become a top tourist destination for its vivid depiction of the Italian Murano glass making culture.

The manufacture of Murano glass is complex to say the least. Murano glass art generally uses the lampworking technique. This technique has however been replaced in recent times by flameworking where a gas fuelled torch is used to melt clear or colored glass. The silica used to make glass becomes liquid at very high temperatures. During the cooling process, there is a reverse solidification. Midway however, the glass is soft can be molded into any shape the expert craftsmen desire. This they do either by hand movements or by shaping tools. The historical glass factories that had revolutionized the art of Murano glass making centuries ago stand today as some of the best known glass brands in the world. Venini, Pauly and Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso (1854) are recognized all over for their flawless designs in Murano glass lights, glass lamps, chandeliers and Italian Murano glass figurines. There is hardly anyone who could deny the level of top notch workmanship involved.

It is not just the silica that is important to the artisan as raw material. Agents (flux) act as catalysts in the melting process. Sodium oxide slows down the solidification of glass which gives the glassmaker more time to shape things up. Then again, sodium is added to a glass mixture to make the surface opaque while nitrate is added to the same to eliminate bubbles. Some of the tools used to mould the glass include borselle, pontello and tagianti. Without proper utilization, it is almost impossible to arrive at the desired result. All in all, there is a lot of hard work going into even the simplest looking Italian Murano glass lamps or the more fancy Murano glass chandeliers. With advancement in science and technology, things are practically looking up. The art is on the verge of realizing new dimensions in terms of share in export market and foreign exchange influx. So the next time you decide brighten up your world, go in for authentic Italian Murano glass lighting.

About the Author

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Lampworking Glass Demo

Czech Lampwork Drop Bead Wine Charms $27.99 Set of six unique and elegant wine charms using 100% Czech Lampwork drop bead and Swarovski crystals. Great for entertaining or gift giving….

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2 – Coffee & Latte Mug Lampwork Glass Beads Start your next beading or craft project with a cup of cheer for these latte and coffee mugs. What a cute charm bracelet these will make for your favorite coffee fanatic. They measure 12mm x 19mm and come in sets of 2 beads – 1 latte mug, 1 coffee mug. Each one of these beads are handcrafted so beads of the same likeness may vary slightly in uniqueness from another….

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Lamp Works Aqua Glass Orb Table Lamp $247.39 233B Features: -Table lamp.-Cotton linen shade.-Vintage retro style.-Stacked aqua ball orb.-UL listed. Construction: -Base construction: Lead crystal. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 100W 3 way medium base bulb. Dimensions: -Shade dimensions: 10.5” H x 13” – 15” W.-Overall dimensions: 29” H x 14” W. Collection: -Glass Hand Blown collection….

Blushing Red Cat Lampwork Glass Ceiling Fan Pull / Light Pull $14.00 He’s one cool cat who just loves to hang around! 4″L Extra ball chain attached (included) snaps in and out at top and base for easy connecting to your existing chain….

Simple Secrets of Solid Sculpture in Boro Glass By Milon Townsend $72.00 Want to sculpt hot glass? Learn the simple secrets to get the glass to do exaxtly what you want it to..Milon Townsend will show you the tools and techniques that will free you to create anything you can imagine. This 2 DVD set transcends how-to, by clearly demonstrating the essential skills that you need….

Flameworking with Dichroic Glass by Milon Townsend $32.98 Milon Townsend Focus on Flamework ‘ Flameworking with Dichroic Glass’ Instructional DVD…

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Lampwork Glass Flamingo Bead Thank You Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Greeting Card Universe offers the largest selection of Thank you cards on the web. We have everything from custom cards to professionally designed cards. Allow Greeting Card Universe to handle all your Thank you card needs this year. This paper card includes the following themes: glass bead, crafts, and pink. Set your paper cards apart this ye…

Creative Lampwork $16.93 Techniques and Projects for the Art of Melting Glass The new essential resource for beginner instruction and inspiration, this book gathers necessary information on safety, materials and techniques into one handy volume. Beads and sculptural creations of 14 artists are presented to fuel your creativity. With fun new twists on metal mesh, silver and gold foil and enamels. Follow along with step-by-step photos and clear instructions to create your own fabulous beads. Also includes an excellent gallery of finished projects. Softcover, 175 pages. Project images below images from book.

Lampwork Glass Earrings(Pack of 6) $6.49 Lampwork Glass Earrings. Beautiful glass heart lampwork earrings. Silver plated, assorted colors as shown. Individually retail packaged and carded. Earrings hang 2 inch, the heart is 3/4 inch diameter and 3/4 inch length.

OCEAN BLUE LAMPWORK BEAD $13.99 Just looking at this ocean blue lampwork bead will make you think of the surf. It has the aquamarine color of the ocean on a sunny day. Trails of beige run through the sides of this bead the same way that foam forms patterns on retreating waves. The center of the bead features a green and beige line decorated with shiny raised balls. Since this bead is handmade by a glass artisan, the design will vary slightly. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

PURPLE FREESTYLING LAMPWORK BEAD $13.99 Make this beautiful purple freestyling lampwork bead the centerpiece of a necklace design. You’ll find that it adds texture and complexity. The bead is rectangular with a slightly convex front and back. An abstract opaque purple line with black texture slides across the center. It is framed by two rows of purple dots and a thin tan line. The rest of the bead features opaque green rings filled with transparent purple glass. Since this bead is handmade, the design will vary slightly. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

Glass Lampwork Fireman Beads(Pack of 5) $10.99 Glass Lampwork Fireman Beads.Not recommended for children under 3 years of age.24 pieces per pack.

BLACK AND PRIMARY COLOR LAMPWORK BEADS $13.99 This fancy black and primary color lampwork bead is sure to become the center of attention. The base of the bead is a large black glass rectangle. Both the front and the back are slightly convex, which allows the beautiful designs running across the surface to be better seen. You’ll find a lime green flower, blue dots and aqua, yellow and red vines. These beads are handmade by a glass artisan, so details will vary slightly. They show a remarkable consistency in design. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

GREEN AND YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS LAMPWORK BEAD $13.99 This rectangular green and yellow lampwork bead has a playful feel. A diagonal yellow strip crosses its surface and is framed by transparent emerald green glass and eight tiny brass-colored balls. The green glass is covered in swirling brass-colored accents. Try using this exquisite bead as a pendant on a brass chain or complement it with emerald Swarovski crystal. Since this bead is handmade, the design will vary slightly. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

DEEP OCEAN BLUE LAMPWORK BEAD $13.99 Create an exquisite design using this rectangular deep ocean blue lampwork bead as your foundation. Transparent blue glass covers a tan center stripe, just like a submerged sandbar. The deep blue glass on the sides of the strip has a surface pattern that looks like drifting foam. Design something using your own ideas or try stringing this bead with seahorse and starfish charms. Since this bead is handmade, the design will vary slightly. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

Lampwork Glass Bead Earrings $24.95 Artistic glass beads with an abstract design have gleaming bead accents and sterling silver French hooks. Gift boxed. 1 1/4″ long.

Pugster Ceylon Topaz Translucent Lampwork Glass Bead $18.99 Ride the latest wave of European bead fashion jewelry with an exquisite Pugster Ceylon Topaz translucent Glass European Bead for your lampwork glass beads bracelet. Fashioned of glass in the shape of round and decorated with Ceylon Topaz translucent, this bead is a great addition to your European bead bracelet or necklace. Each bead is made by craftsmen working in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Create a traditional European beaded bracelet with many lampwork glass beads, or hang just one or two from a special lampwork glass bead bracelet chain. Either way, your European beads bracelet will be a treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, Ceylon Topaz translucent Glass European Beads are available for both wholesale and retail purchase. This bead fits Pandora/troll/chamilia Bracelet. — All murano glass beads are hand-made by artisans. There will be slight variations on color and positioning of designs.

Pugster Dark Cyan Lampwork Glass Bead $16.99 Ride the latest wave of European bead fashion jewelry with an exquisite Pugster dark cyan Glass European Bead for your lampwork glass beads bracelet. Fashioned of glass in the shape of round and decorated with dark cyan, this bead is a great addition to your European bead bracelet or necklace. Each bead is made by craftsmen working in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Create a traditional European beaded bracelet with many lampwork glass beads, or hang just one or two from a special lampwork glass bead bracelet chain. Either way, your European beads bracelet will be a treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, dark cyan Glass European Beads are available for both wholesale and retail purchase. This bead fits Pandora/troll/chamilia Bracelet. — All murano glass beads are hand-made by artisans. There will be slight variations on color and positioning of designs.

PURPLE AND PINK LAMPWORK PILLOW BEAD (7 PCS) $33.99 This set of seven purple and pink lampwork pillow beads will give your designs a sophisticated air. They are a square bead with a white center. A transparent pink stripe runs across the middle and two transparent purple stripes run along the edges. This striped pattern is overlaid with a net of thin swirling black lines. Because these beads are handmade, they will vary slightly in appearance. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

Pugster Blue With White Flower Lampwork Murano Glass Style Pandora $16.99 Stay a step ahead the latest wave of lampwork European Italian Italian charm Bead fashion jewelry. This exquisite beaded Pugster Blue with White Flower Lampwork Murano Glass Style Pandora European Italian Italian charm Bead dazzles with individual beauty. The humble Italian charm and simple elegance of this lampwork European Italian Italian charm Bead is an unforgettable and alluring piece of accessory. This interchangeable Pugster White flower bule lampwork European Italian Italian charm Bead is the perfect gift for any occasion. It is also a great addition to your lampwork European Italian Italian charm Bead bracelet or necklace. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, the Blue with White Flower Lampwork Murano Glass Style Pandora European Italian Italian charm Bead is available for both retail and wholesale purchase through our store.

BLUE AND BEIGE LAMPWORK ROUND BEAD (7 PCS) $33.99 Rich blue and dark brown mingle at the core of these lampwork round beads. Beige lines run like cracks across these colors, creating a stunning effect. This pattern is then wrapped attractively in clear glass to create a disc shape. These beads come in a set of seven. You can use them all at once for one project or use a few at a time for accents. You’ll find that these beads are a good size for earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

PEARLY MIX LAMPWORK DISC BEAD (7 PCS) $33.99 These pearly mix lampwork disc beads have a shiny metallic surface. Both sides are playfully adorned with a curving black line across the front and three black dots near the holes. This is a seven piece set with orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink and silver beads. Try stringing them with silver or black accents to create an attractive choker or bracelet. Because these beads are handmade, they will vary slightly in appearance. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

PEARLY MIX LAMPWORK ROUNDEL BEAD (7 PCS) $27.47 Give your designs a metallic gleam with these high quality pearly mix lampwork roundelle beads. They come in a set of seven with the following colors: silver, pink, purple, blue, green, gold and orange. A thin black line travels like a wavy thread all the way around the bead, finishing in a small swirl. These beads are just the right shape for being strategically spaced on a long, dangling necklace. Because these beads are handmade, they will vary slightly in appearance. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

1000 Glass Beads $19.96 A gorgeous book with tons of color photography that is sure to inspire and awe every beadmaker and glass lover. Jewelry magazine Lapidary Journal refers to it as The ultimate tour through lampwork heaven. A must-have book for anyone who loves art, beads, lampworking, or simply marvels at creative genius. Filled with hundreds of pages of beautifully photographed lampwork beads by the most exciting bead makers in the world, you will get a thousand ideas for making and wearing incredible beads. By Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader. 408 pages, full color. Millefiori beads by Yoshiko Shiiba. Lampworked bead created with Mica powder by Karan Dotson. Fish by Debbie Crowley. Necklace by Amy Johnson. Frog bead by Akoko Isono.

Creative Glass Techniques $19.96 Learn how to create in many forms of art glass – fusing, painting, and lampwork. The 32 elegant, hands-on projects range from a shimmering oval mirror to a vase sparkling with colorful lusters and crystal ice. Each project has a list of materials, instructions and color photos of processes, including the finished item. Superbly photographed, the 152 color pages are sure to inspire. Softcover. Projects shown below from author and artist Bettina Eberle.

8X14MM BLUE AND BEIGE SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 Add this gorgeous lampwork bead to your jewelry designs for a touch of dynamic color. This glass roundelle bead has a transparent exterior with a dark blue interior and beige lines. Made with Venetian and German glass, this beautiful Grace lampwork roundelle is extremely consistent and features the intricate detail that will inspire gorgeous jewelry designs. This large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

8X14MM CORAL AND BEIGE SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 Bursting with color and texture, this roundelle displays the consistency that has made Grace Lampwork Beads the most trusted name in lampwork jewelry. The combination of coral, blue and beige glass in swirling patterns creates a fabulous component full of artistic charm. Made with Venetian and German glass, this large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

LAMPWORK BLACK WITH BEIGE FREE STYLE OWL BEAD $8.69 Create whimsical jewelry designs with this cute Grace Lampwork bead. This black with beige free style owl bead features wonderful brown and green swirl patterns across the surface of the shape that resemble feathers and it is all topped off with the owl’s big blue glass eyes. Every inch of this bead is lined in detail from the black horned ears to the textured bumpy feet. Use this bead for nature-inspired jewelry or mix with more of your favorite charms and pendants in a bracelet strung with silk ribbon. Because lampwork beads are hand-made, there may be slight variations in appearance.

8X14MM PEARLY PURPLE SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 This gorgeous roundelle has a gorgeous purple color with swirling stripes. This roundelle displays the consistency that has made Grace Lampwork Beads the most trusted name in lampwork jewelry. Made with Venetian and German glass, this large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

8X14MM IVORY SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 Add this gorgeous lampwork bead to your jewelry designs for a touch of dynamic color. This roundelle bead has an ivory base with a gorgeous speckled pattern. Made with Venetian and German glass, this beautiful Grace lampwork roundelle is extremely consistent and features the intricate detail that will inspire gorgeous jewelry designs. This large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

8X14MM GREEN WITH FLOWERS SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 Bursting with color and texture, this roundelle displays the consistency that has made Grace Lampwork Beads the most trusted name in lampwork jewelry. This silver-lined treasure has a green base with raised blue flowers that add a touch of three-dimensional magic. Made with Venetian and German glass, this large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

8X14MM MUTED SWIRL SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 This gorgeous roundelle features a beautiful swirl pattern in a variety of colors ranging from light purple and yellow to black and green. This roundelle displays the consistency that has made Grace Lampwork Beads the most trusted name in lampwork jewelry. Made with Venetian and German glass, this large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.

DEEP OCEAN BLUE WITH SILVER LAMPWORK PILLOW BEAD (7 PCS) $33.99 Try using this seven piece set of deep ocean blue lampwork pillow beads with silver to create a beautiful ocean-themed design. With their dark blue, beige and green coloring, you’ll hint at the ocean just by stringing them! The transparent blue glass in each square bead has a pattern over its surface that looks like drifting foam. Each bead features the same colors in a slightly different design. You can use them on a bracelet or necklace. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

Creative Lampwork by Gordon, Joan Edition ILL, 0 $21.99 Lampwork-the art of crafting glass beads and jewelry-is surprisingly easy and increasingly popular. Joan Gordon, former editor ofMaking Jewellerymagazine, has gathered 14 of the world's top glassmakers to teach you the techniques, from safety and materials to bead shapes and adornment. With their expert advice, you'll quickly master the skills needed to create 26 stunning projects.

DEEP OCEAN BLUE LAMPWORK MINI KALERA BEAD (6 PCS) $33.99 These deep ocean blue beads give you the beauty of lampwork in a mini size. They come in a set of six. All of them have blue, beige and green coloring, but there are three different styles. You can create three pairs of matching earrings or use these beads as the main component on a stunning bracelet. Each bead has a least one sea green stripe and dark blue strip. Some have light beige stripes as well. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

PEARLY BLUE AND WHITE PRINT LAMPWORK PILLOW BEAD (7 PCS) $33.99 These metallic pearly blue and white print lampwork pillow beads have a slightly iridescent cast to them, which adds green and yellow highlights in soft lighting. Each square bead has a different white design ranging from a flower to swirls and dots. You can use two of these beads to create a pair of earrings, incorporate them into a necklace or design a bracelet. Because these beads are handmade, they will vary. Be sure to look at the rest of our lampwork glass beads.

8X14MM BLACK AND IVORY SILVER-LINED LAMPWORK ROUNDELLE $12.39 Reminiscent of a natural gemstone pattern, this glass roundelle bead has a beautiful combination of black and ivory colors. Made with Venetian and German glass, this beautiful Grace lampwork roundelle is extremely consistent and features the intricate detail that will inspire gorgeous jewelry designs. This large hole treasure is lined with silver and is perfect for using with one of our Caspia™ necklaces or bracelets and 8mm Smart Beads. Note: This bead is compatible with Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia™ designs.