Ever wonder how Murano makes the beautiful crystal chandelier that hangs in every great house in the world? Believe it or not, they are still made by hand in glass factories on the island of Murano, about 17 minutes from Venice, Italy. These centuries-old techniques are still used today to make Murano glass, which is one of the finest glass in the world. But chandeliers are not made of glass. They are made by hand of glass.
The glass making techniques used by Murano glass makers have kept their glass making secret for centuries. They were transferred to the island of Murano in 1291 because there was a fear that their glass-making furnaces would start a fire. They became famous all over the world with the glass they made. Nobody could make glass vases, chandeliers, lamps, or jewelry like Murano glassmakers. Today, your cup is still in high demand. However, there are many who sell “Murano glass” that is not from the island.
There are several types of Italian chandeliers that are sold under the Murano name, but they are not actual Murano glass. Candlesticks can be made from three different types of glass. The first is rock crystal, which is a natural mineral found in the earth’s crust. They are sometimes used as rhinestones and are still used to make jewelry. They come in various colors, from clear quartz to amethyst and rose quartz. They do not become Murano chandeliers.
The second is lead crystal where lead is added to the glass. Helps glass break light into a colored prism when it receives sunlight. It does is reflect and refract. Lead crystal is never used in Murano chandeliers.
The third type of crystal is a rhinestone or rhinestone. They are cut like real diamonds, but they are mostly used in fashion, interior design and costumes, especially for pop artists and ballroom dance costumes.
None of these crystals are used in the manufacture of Murano glass chandeliers. The word crystalline comes from the Italian word crystallo, which means crystalline. It was used when Murano glassmakers created the first “crystalline” glass in 1450. It was perfectly transparent. That means there were no flaws, bubbles, or steaming parts in the glass. At the time, it was amazing technology because glass was “crystal clear.” That word has led to many misunderstandings about Murano glass chandeliers.
Although there are many manufacturers of glass products who claim that they are Murano glass, you can distinguish real Murano glass by the label that is applied to the item. It cannot be removed unless you break the item. When looking for a vase, chandelier, glasses, or jewelry made by Murano glass makers, look for the sticker. You will know that it is authentic and is made on the island of Murano. This should be “crystal clear” to you before purchasing the item.