Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Murano Glass Mirror and Chandelier – Why Are They Important for Any Décor?

Since the thirteenth century, Murano glass (Italian: vetro di Murano) has been a wonder captivating innumerable hearts all around the world with its tradition, beauty, and craftsmanship. At a time when the chemical science was at its nascent stage, glassmakers from the Italian island of Murano, located to the north of Venice, were able to create intricately shaped glass objects by mixing silica or fine sand, sodium, and some basic minerals for colors. With the help of their furnaces and simple tools, they have been skillfully producing a wide variety of items that are not only appealing and sought after but functional as well. Two such varieties that can transform any décor in a flash are Murano glass mirror and chandelier. We’ll look at both of them one by one and try to find out why they can be so special for your home.

In the 16th century, Murano or Venetian mirrors were expensive, uncommon and decorating the walls of affluent families only. But, only a few would have imagined then that these magnificent pieces would become a focal point of many homes, offices, restaurants and hotels some centuries afterwards. Today, a Venetian mirror is much more accessible compared to earlier times.

One unmatched quality of all Venetian mirrors is they can be used as standalone decorative pieces. Unlike other mirror types, they don’t need matching furniture or accessories to complement their splendor. Just mount a Murano mirror on the wall and enjoy the transformed look of your décor instantly.

It is not to be surprised. Complexity is the hallmark of Venetian mirrors. They have sweeping arc designs and extensive lines. The edges are likely to be prominent and flawless. You can find them in all shapes and sizes. The border generally features ornate details and looks elegant without getting too extravagant. A Murano glass mirror is ideal for any room in your home, including living room, bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and foyer.

These ornamental mirrors are widely acclaimed for their unbelievable artwork. From elaborate rosettes and mirrored edges to faultlessly engraved cuttings, every object is finished with perfection so that you can have an ambience full of luster and luxury. Since a Venetian mirror is easily compatible with any design or color scheme, it would come in handy for passionate interior designers who can look to this decorative object when decorating a room. So, who can avoid the temptation of adding a beautiful and versatile Murano mirror to their interiors?

Next, we’ll turn our attention to Murano glass lighting in general and Murano glass chandelier in particular. In addition to Murano tableware and mirrors, one more highly sought after item in the early sixteenth century was an oil lamp. At that time, people realized that besieging a light source with glass would ensure the most optimal dispersion of light and the most effective illumination of the area. Hence, the overwhelming success of Murano glass lighting lamps promoted glass masters to create chandeliers and pendant lighting items.

Like mirrors, Venetian chandeliers are known for their ornate details. These branched lighting fixtures can add magnificence and glitter to any space. That’s why they are often found in big hotels or commercial centers that require an arresting look to attract more footfalls into their premises.      

A Murano glass chandelier is not like any other fixture made to illuminate a room. The materials used in its creation belong to a really long artisan tradition of several centuries. So, when you buy this chandelier, you’re actually becoming a part of rich history created by Venetian glass masters with passion and fervor. Murano glass (vetro di Murano) is undoubtedly supreme in quality and among the finest kinds of art glass on the planet.

Although original Murano chandeliers are not cheap, there are choices available to suit every budget and style. You can now choose from classic floral patterns, modernistic designs and even futuristic forms. In addition to traditional designs involving clear glass and golden hue, the present-day items feature colorful swirls in green, red, and black. Apart from chandeliers, Murano glass lighting options include table lamps, Jewish menorah, and candle holders.

Both Venetian mirror and chandelier have somewhat identical history to follow and both are important for revamping any décor. You can easily buy either of them from an online shop nowadays. Browse through a wide array of products from the leisure of your home and place your order in a few clicks! Before purchasing a Murano glass mirror or chandelier online, make certain that the seller sources authentic products made in Murano, Italy only. It would be even better if they’re based in that region. OriginalMuranoGlass.com meets these criteria fully and is worth considering for your purchases.

Various Murano Glass Gift Options to Make Any Occasion Memorable

Gift has been a symbol of love, affection and appreciation in our society. Human beings, whether they are in personal, social or business relationships, present gifts to others who matter to them the most on special occasions like Christmas, wedding, baby shower, birthday, business foundation day, and so on. What to present is often a dilemma for people who have to choose from unlimited options available today. However, to ensure a maximum possible positive impact on the recipient, there is no better option than a Murano glass gift. Yeah, it’s a reality! Regardless of the occasion you’ve, Murano glass (Italian: vetro di Murano) would certainly offer something spectacular matching the event.

Exchanging gifts has become the essence of the present-day Christmas celebration. And, Christmas gift Murano glass (Italian: regalo natale in vetro di Murano) has plenty of options to choose from. From delicate bead jewelry, watches, goblets, centerpieces and vases to overwhelming sculptures, chandeliers and mirrors, the list is just endless! Meticulously handcrafted by gifted glass masters on the island of Murano, every item is unique in itself, portraying an ancient Venetian glassmaking technique, fascinating design and shape, and rich finish. Looking for an affordable Christmas glass gift idea (Italian: idea regalo natale vetro)? Then, opt for various Murano glass candle holders made with lampwork technique. These candlestick glass arts can prove to be memorable Christmas gifts for the recipients. Other gift options for this jovial occasion include bottle stoppers, Christmas gondolas, photo frames, watches, plates, vases, goblets, etc.

Wedding is another special occasion commemorated by gifts galore. While the newlyweds present their guests with wedding favors, the guests also wish the couple a happy married life giving away beautiful gifts. Different Murano glass wedding gifts (Italian: regalo matrimonio vetro) may range from a heart-shaped bottle stopper, collection of plates and photo frames, and figurine to centerpiece, pitcher and flower table mirror.

Handmade in Murano, a table Venetian mirror features an elaborate flower and leaf decoration in multiple colors. Supported by a wooden structure, this artistic piece is a masterwork of skilled mirror artisans who create it with full attention to details. Like other Murano glass or vetro di Murano objects, it is not mass-produced, but crafted in accordance with the age-old Venetian tradition.

Apart from Christmas and wedding, a Murano glass gift is hugely popular in the corporate sector as well. You’ll find many mesmerizing choices that would certainly appeal to your employees, partners or customers. A fountain pen handcrafted with lampwork technique is always a great choice for corporate gifts (Italian: regali aziendali). You can also purchase a set of pens in different colors, accompanied by a decent box and ink to write. One more option is a Murano glass vase made with a special glass blowing technique. Available in a host of unique shapes and designs, each piece boasts of unmatched engravings and an exquisite blend of several shades. You may also go for a blown glass goblet offered in a variety of finishes and intricate details. The history of Venice says that the Doge (the king of Venice) wanted to drink with a different goblet every day, so there was a competition between the glass masters to make the most beautiful drinking goblet.

From Christmas gift Murano glass (regalo natale in vetro di murano) to wedding and corporate gifts (regali aziendali), you can consider these masterpieces for many different occasions and create a long-lasting impact on the recipient. OriginalMuranoGlass.com is the online superstore for any wedding, valentine, corporate or Christmas glass gift idea (idea regalo natale vetro) matching your budget.

Monday, 1 June 2015

Looking for Original Murano Glass? Always Be Sure of What You Are Buying

Are you looking forward to buying an Italian Murano glass item? But you have been scared by doubts like these: Is it original? Is it made in Murano? Is it a China glass? For people like you, this article is worth reading.

If you buy a Murano glass on the Internet or from a physical shop, many times you could take home a glass made in China or East Europe. Really? Unbelievable? But it is true. Murano glass has a tradition made of centuries of history, and it is really a unique and great world heritage, but in the last 30 years it suffered from a wrong idea of globalization (as many of “made in Italy” products). In few words: copies and cloning from other countries. Low quality, industrial production is the topmost feature of these copies, instead of high art level and handmade craft of Murano isle glasses.

It is difficult to believe, but the millions of tourists coming every year to Venice have often caused the growth of a lot of shops selling low quality and low priced glass saying they are from Murano. But it is not the truth.

These shops can make easy revenues taking advantage of the demand of non-conscious consumers. So we have a strange situation: orders to master craftsmen of Murano are really going down, and orders for imported low quality glasses are growing up. A lot of local associations for the protection of the original Murano products have criticized and denounced this situation, that has also a big relevance in local newspapers, but it is not easy to uproot this system.

For these reasons, the Veneto Region and the “Consorzio per la promozione del vetro di Murano” (the consortium of Murano glass master craftsmen) have decided to create a new brand (Vetro Artistico Murano®) to certificate the origin of glass products. Producers who use this brand have to be certified and legally recognized as producers of the isle of Murano (Law No. 70 of 12/23/1994).

This is an absolute guarantee of origin of the product of the island that you can find with the brand numbered with the logo. This brand is a warranty for the consumer and a precious protection for “made in Italy”. When you are inside a shop, you can ask if they participate in this consortium and make them show you the logo Vetro Artistico Murano®. You have also to know that some Murano producers do not participate in the consortium. The reasons are long to explain, but finally they prefer to be independent or they believe that their name, brand and skills protect them by themselves. This happens also for some small laboratories. If a shop or a producer does not have the logo Vetro Artistico Murano®, be more careful in your choice, and ask for detailed information.

Ask the seller the name of the Italian Murano glass artist, look for his sign on the glass (many times the masters sign their products). If you are buying an expensive product such as an artistic Murano glass vase, mirror or chandelier, make it evaluated by an expert, or look at the producer website to see if the product is really the same. Often a big discount or a too low price is an indication of a fake product, especially if it has no guarantee. Just becoming a conscious buyer, you will be sure to buy an original Murano glass product to exhibit in your house or office or to make a unique gift.

Of course, all the products including Murano glass jewellery, sculptures, vases, mirrors and chandeliers of OriginalMuranoGlass.com are exclusively made in Murano isle, and they can give you all the warranties mentioned above.