New Year’s Eve in Italy

Author: Groshan Fabiola

Italy is a beautiful country, with rich history, amazing traditions, breathtaking landscapes, good food and great wines. The educated tourist and the ordinary tourist alike will enjoy Italy, as this country has so many unique things and experiences to offer. Visiting Italy can be a unique experience, especially if you go around the time when Italy’s most famous festivals are being held. And with the holidays drawing near, you should definitely include Italy on your list of countries to visit.

If you have your mind set on celebrating New Year’s Eve in Italy, it’s safe to say that you’ve made a very wise choice. The Italians are a very passionate people, and the way they celebrate holidays is lively and entertaining. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve in Italian) coincides with the celebration of La Festa di San Silvestro. Wherever you may choose to spend the Capodanno in Italy, you will certainly be part of some celebration with fireworks. If Rome, Milan or any other big Italian city happens to be your choice, you can also attend the parties that will take place in the squares. There will be music, dancing, and joy, in other words, all the ingredients to properly celebrate Capodanno the Italian way. Any Italian celebration is also an occasion for great food and drinks, and the Capodanno is no exception to this rule.

Everywhere around the world, ending the old year and beginning the new one is reason for celebration, and Italy is no exception. Il Capodanno is a great time for celebration in Italy. Be it with friends or with the family, Italians get together for huge feasts, of which the great food cannot miss. There will be lots of fireworks, both in central squares and also from private parties. If your Italian destination for the Capodanno celebration should happen to be a city or town near a lake or river, or on the coast, you will certainly hear ships blowing their horns at midnight.

There are many beautiful Italian cities that are worth visiting. One of the most popular destinations in Italy is the country’s modern capital, Rome. It is hard to say what Rome is most famous for. Could it be the history that it is so full of everywhere you look? Or is it the museums, medieval churches, ancient monuments and Renaissance palaces? Or, better yet, could it be the fabulous nightlife, the lively squares and streets, and the excellent restaurants that attract so many tourists every year? The answer has to include all of these, because they are all so representative of Rome, and of Italy in general.

Rome is also a great choice to spend New Year’s Eve. We can honestly say that Italians celebrate Capodanno Roma with gusto. Probably the most impressive display of fireworks and the most enchanting concerts take place in Piazza del Popolo on the 31st December. Although contemporary music is mainly played on this occasion, classical music could not be forgotten, as Italy, as you all know, has a very rich classical music heritage. Capodanno Roma is a very good occasion for unparalleled celebration, and all the clubs in the city make the most of this celebration to provide their guests of various forms of entertainment all throughout the parties they give on Capodanno, parties which start in the evening and last till early morning. In other words, if you like clubbing, Rome is definitely worth giving a try, especially for the Capodanno Roma.

For more resources about Capodanno or especially about Capodanno Roma please review this webpage http://notte.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/new-years-eve-in-italy-280897.html

Murano Glass Jewellery

Author: Amy - Find Jewellery

Murano glass is made on the small island of Murano in the heart of Venice. The tradition of making glass in Italy stretches back a long time, there is evidence to suggest that it has been made since the 7th century and perhaps before. Venice has been an important trade port for centuries. It is positioned on the East coast of Italy and this centralised location has made it one of the most vibrant multicultural cities in Europe. The historical importance of Venice as a melting pot for the expertise and craft of travellers from all over the world cannot be understated. It is from this cacophony of cultural voices that one of their most treasured exports was created.

During turbulent times the glass-makers of Venice were ordered to move their foundries to the island of Murano, in part to protect the mainly wooden city from the danger of fire. Within one hundred years the glass-makers had become the most prominent citizens of Murano and almost half of the islands population were involved in the production of the beautiful glass work. The glass-makers were accepted into the upper echelons of society and found that their talents enabled them to have much greater power and wealth than they could have anticipated.

The reasons that they were so highly prized by society were that they could make things that others could not. For example they were the only people in Europe who could make glass mirrors and who had the skill to make multi coloured glass. The Republic of Venice recognised the advantage of keeping the glass makers close to home, so they were in fact forbidden from leaving the Republic at risk of having their hands cut off or being assassinated.

The prestige of the island's glass workers grew and grew. Today Murano glass is produced on the island and exported all over the world. Everything is made by these expert craftsmen, including chandeliers, wine glasses and jewellery. Much of the process is still done using traditional methods. The intricate nature of many of the pieces makes the nature of their construction almost incomprehensibly complicated. The different colours of the glass are created by the introduction of other agents into the glass. Copper, gold and cobalt are three examples of the type of colouring substances that are used by Murano glass-makers. The affect that is commonly seen in jewellery is achieved by the blowing of glass over thin layers of gold, silver and copper foil. The iridescent qualities of the metal foil creating an intricate and appealing look which also guarantees that each piece is slightly different to any other.

Murano Glass Jewellery is beautiful, the age old techniques that are used to create it have been perfected over the years. The jewellery is often brightly coloured with different luxurious foils running just beneath the surface creating a desirable, stunning affect that is in keeping with this seasons key trend of vibrant colour drenched jewellery.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/murano-glass-jewellery-1316219.html.
Brought to you by directfromvenice.com

About the Author
If you, like me love Murano Glass Jewellery you can see a beautiful selection at Find Jewellery.

Italian High Fashion Jewelry

Author: Suneva

Images of love, passion and a libertine way of living come to mind when thinking of Italian high fashion jewelry. The universal love of jewelry reflects the emotions of life and love itself. Although many things change, the allure of Italian high fashion jewelry and our passions endures.

The connection between love and jewelry as an expression of this intense emotion dates back as far as the craft of jewelry making itself.  Historically jewelry was used as a means of communication and many of the most famous creations were gifted between lovers.  Jewelry has been used as the medium to convey sentiments of desire, love and affection in times when speaking words alone were not enough or when the words could not be said.  Even today, the sensuous curves and the graceful designs of Italian high fashion jewelry in necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings are often used to remember a passionate moment.

There was a time when jewelry exchanged between lovers did more than express their feelings; some of the beautiful pieces were created as amulets or talismans.  During medieval times, jewelry was used to validate the identity or status of a person; ensuring safe passage for lovers en route to a rendezvous. Jewelry has been given as a symbol of desire: as a prelude to seduction beautiful jewels have often made the invitation to pleasure impossible to resist.

Italian high fashion jewelry or "couture" jewelry is crafted from the finest precious metals and gemstones; platinum, gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies owes much of its elegance to these classical origins. More than one modern designer has been inspired by the jewelry worn by royalty at court.

But those of royal birth are not the only ones who have enjoyed the pleasure of wearing the most beautiful jewelry. When the subject is Italian high fashion jewelry, the name is Bulgari, founded by Soutirios a Greek man from a family of silversmiths who despite his humble beginnings has become Italy's most famous name in jewelry.

From their first store in 1905 on Via Condotti to locations around the world, these artisans have created jewels that have been worn by world famous actresses such as the late Princess Grace and Audrey Hepburn, along with Elizabeth Taylor. At this year's Oscar Award ceremony, a vintage Bulgari necklace adorned the neckline of a Vera Wang dress worn by Keira Knightly, who starred in the film "Pride and Prejudice."

But more often than not, at the root of why we appreciate Italian high fashion jewelry is for love expressed in the craftsmanship and professional attention to detail. Beyond the fact that the jewelry production standards are the highest in the world, the connection between love of country and love of art combine beautifully to produce exquisite creations.

This tradition continues today with Italian high fashion jewelry being crafted by many designers to reflect a libertine sexual expression for men and women, such as the serpentine designs from DiMurano which displays the artistry of combining the Venetian centuries old technique of Murano blown glass with superfine 14 carat vermeil gold to create stunning and exotic look that is truly unique. Along with classic designs lovers of finely crafted jewelry will find bold, distinctive designs with an accent on sensuality. When the motive is to impress the person you love, the beauty of these exquisite pieces is sure to inspire a passionate embrace and loving kiss.

As a gift to treasure, it would be difficult to imagine one that can compare: Italian high fashion jewelry delights the eye and stimulates the senses, a subtle reminder of our passion for love and life.

Suneva is a part-time copywriter for Blue Fuss featuring luxury fashion jewelry.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_584514_34.html brought to you by DirectFromVenice.com

About the Author:  Suneva is a part-time copywriter for Blue Fuss featuring luxury fashion jewelry.

Murano Jewelry - Wear a Piece of Venice Close to Your Heart

Murano glass is not merely a commodity like diamonds, silver, or gold. It is an expression of style, beauty, quality craftsmanship, and tradition that can pride itself on long history and unique heritage. Made in Venice from as early as the 7th century and organized as an official craft since the 1200's, Murano glass in its simplest form is born in special furnaces by melting silica with certain minerals till liquid state, shaping them up to form a required object, then cooling it down. The basics of the craft were learnt by Venetians from the ancient Romans as well as the Middle-Eastern cultures after the conquest of Constantinople. But over the years many secrets of the craft were lost and had to be re-discovered, making Murano glass masters not only artisans, but patients researchers, experimenters, chemistry wizards, and artists.  To become worthy of their respected name, the glass makers studied the craft for years working alongside their fathers to perfect the chemistry and timing of the process, be precise with very simple instruments and create beautiful shapes. That is why most Murano glass making firms have been owned and operated by the same families for centuries.

The objects created by Murano glass masters in the early years of the craft were mostly utilitarian yet very expensive and affordable only to successful merchants and nobility.  As the appeal of these objects grew and they became more widespread, Venetian masters started to create other types of objects which were more of a fashion statement than a useful household article. Among vases, figurines, and beautiful table centerpieces, eventually some artisans started to create Murano jewelry.  Some of the earliest mentions of this go back to the late 1700's when famous German poet Goethe who traveled to Venice was surprised to see Murano jewelry available for sale there. However, it was not really until later in the 20th century that Venetian jewelry became readily available on the market. In the 20th century most Murano masters were busy with the attempts to revive the stagnant glass-blowing industry and give it its former luster, and to achieve that they focused on participation in prestigious international exhibitions, where artworks such as vases and decorative tableware were represented.  As the world gradually became re-acquainted with Murano glass and realized it value and uniqueness, jewelry-making started to prosper on Murano as well, presenting a way to own and wear a unique artistic object at a fraction of the cost of museum-worthy Venetian art glass.

Today's fashion with its emphasis on unique, hand-made, colorful accessories serves as a perfect backdrop for wearing Murano jewelry.  At the time when every type of jewelry is available from diamond extravagance to plastic minimalism, traditional and gorgeous Venetian jewelry graces the necks, wrists and ears of both the world's elite and regular people with appreciation of Italian style and Murano tradition.  The great abundance of accessories for every budget and taste makes people that want to stand out look for something artistic, hand-made and one-of-a-kind. Thus, people buy Venetian jewelry not only because of its exquisite hand-made beauty, but also because of the rich history that surrounds Murano glass and the special mood that these accessories create, evoking the magical images of Venetian palazzos, canals, and gondolas.

While authentic Venetian jewelry is popular and well-known these days, it is by no means available on every corner.  However, for those with a desire to buy any of these special pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces, there are options for every style and budget. From small elegant studs to opulent beaded necklaces, from traditional classic shapes to Art Nouveau and minimalistic designs, Murano offers amazing variety of unique and colorful hand-made jewelry. And if you don't plan to visit Venice any time soon, you have a great option of buying authentic Venetian jewelry online from a reputable local importer of these pieces. Whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy your very own piece of Venice for years to come and get many compliments every time you wear it.




Venetian Jewelry | Hand-crafted Murano Glass Jewelry and Accessories imported directly from Venice, Italy. We offer Murano Jewelry, vases, pendants, rings, art glass, chandeliers and so much more.

Author: healthsourse87
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1238687_47.html

Experience The Real Essence Of Italy During Italian Carnivals!

Author: Steve Perillo

Steve Perillo's, Perillo Tours, a pioneer in Italy vacations has exclusive Italy vacation packages, which offer utmost customer satisfaction. Perillo Tours make touring to Italy a pleasurable experience by taking the responsibility of planning your travel from scratch. Perillo not only makes sure to give an explicit experience of the scenery and delicacies of Italy but also introduces the tourist to the real essence of Italian carnivals.  The very thought of Italian carnival would remind you of Mardi Grass. The pre-Lenten celebration involves merry-making, procession of masked people, jugglers, magicians, music, dance, and much more, which will take your breath away!  Big and elaborate carnivals held in Venice, Viareggio, and Cento will take you into a world of fun and party The Venice's Carnival is one in a millionth experience that you'll not want to miss. The Vaireggio carnival's grandeur and the parade of giant paper-mach figures during Shrove Tuesday are just incredible.  When talking about having fun, you are sure to realize what it means to be a part of the Ivrea orange throwing carnival. The highlight of the carnival is the colourful parade and the extraordinary orange-throwing battle, which will give you an experience that is simply out of the world!  Who would not love to be in a flowery carnival, the carnival in Acireale is the perfect choice for this. The carnival takes place in Sicily and it brings out the beauty of life with parades of flower and paper-mach complemented with music and a grand fire-work finale! The Albanian carnival in Calabria is certainly worth mentioning. The carnival of Pollino in Castrovillari is funny to watch as men dress-up in women's costumes during the parade.  Italy, a world by itself known for fun, joy, and wonders is sure to give any tourist a blissful vacation time. Perillo Tours makes sure that they provide their customers with the most delightful and luxurious Italy vacations not only in terms of food, lodging, and travelling, but also the carnivals of Italy, which are certainly the essence of real Italy.

About the Author Hello this is steve perillo, owner of perillo tours For 65 Years, the best in fully escorted trips to Italy and Hawaii. Please visit the talk show.  Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/experience-the-real-essence-of-italy-during-italian-carnivals-2117715.html

The Carnival Of Venice

Author: Elena Bernardi

Imagine, for the entire carnival the streets are filled with celebrants dressed in luxurious, festive garb; experiencing Venice during the Carnival is like stepping back in time, with no modern buildings to spoil the illusion.  One can wander the streets, taking in the myriad costumes and street performances, or purchase tickets to an evening party in one of the palaces or hotels accustomed to hosting royalty.  All of an evening you might experience walking up the stairs of a candlelit palace, expecting Casanova to make his advances; enjoying cocktails over the Gran Canal like visiting royalty, abandoning your senses to pleasure; all while fully costumed and masked, only revealing your true identity to carefully chosen intimates.  After all this extravagance perhaps your night is completed by a mysterious, romantic, moonlight tryst, leaving you entranced and breathless, ready to meet the whole experience again the following day.Venice is a magical city, and at no time is this more true than during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, when the historical city celebrates the Carnival of Venice, a tradition first recorded over 700 years ago.  Ordinary Venice is exciting, but Venice during the Carnival is spellbinding, with a historically rich mixture of performance and dining, and, of course the magnificent costumes, including the extravagant masks for which Venice is so famous.  If you have never had a romantic encounter in Venice, perhaps you will have an opportunity to learn why countless generations of impassioned lovers have exclaimed that sex in Venice is the best sex there is.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-carnival-of-venice-1859371.html

About the Author Elena Bernardi is a native Italian and yoga instructor. Her company, Cultural Italy, specializes in travel to Italy's most appealing locations.

The Carnival in Venice - 2011

The time of the famous Venetian carnival is near at hand. It’s just the right time to recall Venice, its attractions and must-sees, its rich history and the contemporary status of one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

The first thing that comes to mind when speaking about Venice is “the city of canals”. It has over 150!  Don’t forget about 409 bridges in Venice and there are no cars and buses. You can reach any point by water or by walking (Venice is not very big). Large passenger boats called vaporetto play the role of the public transport in Venice. Small private boats are water taxies. However, the gondola has become the transport symbol of the city. It’s a narrow, usually black, boat for water walks. It’s an expensive pleasure, but it’s the only way to feel the authentic atmosphere of Venice.

The whole city is an art masterpiece; there are no ordinary, ugly buildings. Almost every structure seems to be a hotel. Even if it’s a private house you surely can rent an apartment there. It’s a city making living out of tourists, so the prices are high.

The center and the heart of the city is San Marco square. Long ago Napoleon called it “the most elegant dining-room in Europe”. The square really looks like salon. It’s surrounded by the galleries and San Marco Cathedral. Between gallery and cathedral lies the exit to lagoon with a wonderful view whether during the day or evening. St Mark's Square is located in one of the lowest parts of the city, so is always the first to be covered in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives.

The place is also famous for its cafes – “Florian”, “Lavena”, “Quardi”. “Florian” is considered to be the oldest café in Europe. Antique furniture, excellent coffee and live music are awaiting for you!

Doge’s palace or Palazzo Ducale is an ancient building hiding medieval secrets and legends.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the everlasting symbols of Venice. In the Middle Ages there were several wooden bridges, but all of them burned. The present, stone bridge was built in the end of the XVI century. On the bridge you can find more souvenir and jewelry shops than you can imagine (however overpriced they may be).

Venetian Carnival. It’s on of the most popular carnivals in the world and shares its fame only with the carnival in Rio-de-Janeiro, although they are completely different. The Venetian Carnival covers the whole city. Colorful festive crowds fill the streets and the squares of Venice. The origin of Carnival dates back to the Middle Ages. In 1296 the last day before the Lent was proclaimed holiday.  This year's Carnival will be held from February 26, 2011 to March 8, 2011.

In the old carnival section, the city has made an effort to recreate the atmosphere of the carnival as it was lived under the Serenissima Republic, including some hitherto unpublished details. You will see how this wonderful event was lived and how the Venetians spent their days, how they dressed, how they ate and how they enjoyed themselves.The new carnival section provides you with a proper guide to the city, helping you organize your own carnival time.  They will enable you to better plan your trip by pointing out places of interest and giving details of the main events happening in Venice. There are a broad range of services to choose from (hotels, restaurants, specialist shops, public transport) and the city will include details on a geographical basis of what is happening in each "Sestiere" (or area of town).  So don your mask, and enjoy yourself!  It will be an experience of a lifetime.

And in the meantime, come visit us at www.directfromvenice.com and see examples of the jewelry designed and handmade by the Venetian glass masters. 

Venetian Glass Jewelry Fulfills Fashion Trends

By Betsy Mings. Venetian glass jewelry can help you capture a Fashion Trend. According to Fashioning.com, one of the hottest trends in accessories for will be rings. Not sparkly rings with faceted gemstones or shiny metallic surfaces, but luminous, lustrous stones with jewel tones reminiscent of the mood rings of the 70's.

Venetian glass is the perfect foil for your fashion style because layering rings is going to be an ongoing fashion statement and each piece will need to have its own beauty without being overly flashy so that the look doesn't turn gaudy. The unique pure, translucent color of glass hand-crafted by masters who have been perfecting their art for many centuries could be just what your wardrobe needs to telegraph to the world that you are a Fashionista with wit and style.

Fashioning.com suggests layering rings over the length of the finger to wrap around the hand and up onto the wrist and arm. Using clear disks of Venetian glass or Venetian glass beads, a jewelry designer could build the perfect accessory for your wardrobe. Or, if you're the DIY kind of person, try making one yourself with beads, cords or wire.

Designers perennially recommend that your wardrobe consist of mostly classic styles that can be well accessorized to reflect the current trends. You don't want to become a fashion victim by over-doing it. Simply find something that helps you feel confident that you've captured "the look" without going overboard. And never, no matter what your favorite TV or movie star celebrities do, should you wear more than one fashion trend at a time. It's the fastest way to look pretentious. Remember that celebrities often go overboard because publicity is their lifeblood and they MUST get noticed to survive. With everyone trying to one-up each other, excesses happen, but getting yourself noticed at the expense of your style sense is not what anyone wants.
So carefully pick the pieces you'll use to create the latest look. Perhaps a jacket to dress up your separates (a very simplified take on military style is in) or what about trying a twist on the look and use the clear and richly hued glass disks or beads of Venetian glass jewelry to accessorize your accessories? How about as a purse clasp, or as a pull ornamenting the zipper on your favorite and most fashion-forward pair of boots? Hair jewels would also work.

If you are lucky enough to already own Venetian glass jewelry then you're already in style, without even trying, lucky you. And if you're not, what a great time to explore the possibilities and find your own personal masterpiece that shows the world that you know your style for 2010.

Betsy Mings has created a blog to help others discover Venetian Glass Jewelry. She believes that owning a piece is very much like owning a personal masterpiece. Follow her as she explores how it's made, where it's made and how easily it becomes a natural part of your lifestyle. Find our products at www.directfromvenice.com

Carnival of Venice - Yearly Show of Costumes, Masks and Italian Jewelry

By Kevin V Grinberg
It all started as a celebration of the war victory against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162. Venetians went to the streets (or better say canals) dressed in their finest costumes, dancing and singing. The magnificent party became a tradition that persisted for almost thousand years.

Every year, in February, Venice becomes one glorious party. Brocade, silks, gold and feather costumes and famous Venetian masks parade in gondolas, to the delight of tourists. Torches decorate canals at night throwing long shadows on the water, music plays long into the night. Spectacular costumes and magnificent Venetian glass jewelry decorate beautiful Venetians, and appear on pages of fashion magazines for months.
Italians really know how to party, but they also know how to dress. There is something special about Italian fashion. The colors, style, accessories, they all skillfully combine to create a rare impression of good taste and impeccable style. But, it is with jewelry that Italians really shine. Famous Venetian glass jewelry survived hundreds of years of changes in fashion and style and it is still easily recognizable as uniquely Italian jewelry. During the Carnival, one can see some magnificent antique creations of famous Murano glassmakers, and some beautiful contemporary pieces.

Carnival of Venice is a perfect time to visit this ancient, mysterious and spectacularly beautiful town. The colors of costumes, ancient palaces, magnificent churches and cathedrals, they all combine to create the impression that is uniquely Venetian. The old walls breathe history, and the songs of gondolier echo through the canals, the same way they did thousand years ago.

The beauty and charm of Venice, especially as they shine during the Carnival, make more understandable the unique beauty of the Venetian glass. Now famous all over the world, Venetian glass is the reflection of its source, product of combined history, tradition and uniquely Italian sense of style. Although many glass artists are trying to copy Venetian glass, the best they can do is be influenced by it.

Although Venetian glass makers keep and value tradition, the beauty of ancient glass-making techniques attracts many contemporary artists, in Murano and all over the world. Some of them use beads produced in Murano, others study unique Murano techniques and infuse their own imprint into the old designs. One of the most recognized names is Archimede Seguso, a son of Muranese glass artists and a partner in the Murano glass factory Barovier.  He founded his own glass factory in 1946, and became its principal master and design artist. Using ancient techniques, he experimented and invented many contemporary variations, like intensely colored glass called 'colori sovrapposte' and a variation of filigrana technique with his collection Spinati. He lived his whole life in Murano, where he died in 1999. He influenced numerous Italian glass artists, who were inspired by Seguso's ability to combine tradition with individual artistic vision. One of his students, Lino Tagliapietra, also Muranese, became a world-known glass artist and his work is now part of many museums all over the world.

Visit our website at www.directfromvenice.com and get an idea of the wonderful products in Venice, and by all means, if you have the chance, head for the city during Carnival!!

A Little Bit About Murano Glass Jewelry

Jewelry is an incredibly subtle accent for any ensemble. What you choose to wear dramatically effects the way you see yourself and the way that others see you. A special piece of jewelry can either make or break your outfit. It can add the precise accent you need to compliment your attire. Your jewelry is timeless.

There is something about Murano Glass Jewelry that seems to transcend time, trends, and fashion. Something so simple. Much like jewels, and gold jewelry, Murano Glass accessories withstand the test of time and forever remain a quintessential element to every complete jewelry collection.  Traditionally, when one mentioned Murano glass, exquisitely crafted glassware such as chandeliers and wine goblets would come to mind. Now the same luminosity and sparkle that was found in the high-end artistry if it’s glassware, is found in the delicately crafted high-end jewelry. Very few people are familiar with Murano glass jewelry. All these people are drawn to its sophistication and uniquely beautiful colors and design. Hence, every piece of such jewelry will surely make a fine addition to any jewelry or accessory collection


Murano glass is actually made using raw materials such as sodium oxide, sodium, nitrate and arsenic, along with flux, or melting agents. It is blown and formed at low temperatures. The sodium oxide content of the glass mixture dictates the speed of solidification. The more sodium oxide, the slower the rate of solidification. In the crafting of glass, nitrates and arsenic may be added to the mixture to create an opaque surface free of bubbles.

The color and transparency of a Murano glass piece are commonly incorporated into pieces such as beads and pendants. Every unique design is handcrafted by a Murano glass blower. Consider the other details, such as enamel painting and engraving, and each piece comes to life.  The colors, technique in creation and design of each piece of this jewelry created from Murano glass redefines what delicate and exquisite in jewelry is. It simply recreates the "awe effect" that diamonds normally possess. On the other hand, simpler yet chic designs of Murano glass necklaces, rings and bracelets also go well with everyday wear.  Hence, the look of these glass jewelries brings style versatility and wearability under its fine list of features
.

Because Murano glass jewelry is reaching the height of its production, many designers and celebrities have clued in the distinct, exclusive designs in the Murano necklaces, rings, pendants and bracelets. Add a touch of elegance to your life with a unique piece of Murano glass jewelry.

Come see our selection at www.directfromvenice.com

Murano Glass Jewelry - The Finest Glass Jewelry In The World

Murano is small island in the Venetian Lagoon located 1 mile offshore from Venice. What makes this island famous is its contribution in making crafted glass, jewelry and glass beads. Murano glass masters have mastered the art of crafting crystalline glass, enameled glass, glass with threads of gold, multicolored glass, milk glass and imitation gemstones


Murano is famous for its craftsmanship especially in glass. The glass is made of silica which is liquefied first and then changed into the required shape. The glass is then colored as desired or by the purchasers request. At times gold engraving or enamel painting may also done to enhance the look of the glass. Sommerso (sunken glass) is a form of artistic Murano glass that has layers of contrasting colors and is usually used when making vases or sculpting.

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 the required shape and size. Gold, aquamarine, silver, and ruby red are some of the popular colors that are then added to make it look more attractive.

Making Murano Glass beads is another craft which Murano is famous for. A Murano glass master can employ different methods to manufacture glass beads. The manufacture of these beads is a very careful and a delicate process. Murano bead-making begins with the production of color canes and then color is added with great precision. Seed beads (Conterie), Chevron beads (Rosetta), Lace Beads (Millefiori) and Blown Beads (Venetian Blown Beads) are all examples of Murano Glass Beads.

If you see glasswork with dazzling colors and unbelievable lightness, delicacy and intricate workmanship it is bound to be Italian Glass. Italian Glass has been manufactured in Murano for more than 700 years. This form of craftsmanship, like any other form of art, was considered to be extremely old fashioned up till the seventies. Later as the craft evolved the patterns and designs were modernized, this led to a renewed interest.
Workmanship on Glass Jewelry crafted at Murano is mesmerizing. The pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces are all stunningly beautiful. The right mix of color and style makes the jewelry look very classy. The jewelry is designed by mixing Sterling silver, Oxidized silver, 14 carat gold, cultured pearls, cubic zirconia and other precious gems either individually or in any combination.

Visit our site at www.directfromvenice.com in order to see a variety of jewelry and bead examples.

The Beauty of Murano Glass Jewelry

European women inject more personality into their jewelry when it comes to their style - they own their look. Both French and Italian women believe that less is more; they would rather mix than match and also play with accessories. Accessorizing is everything! One of the world's favorite jewelry collections is made of beautiful Murano glass. You might ask what makes it so special. The jewelry combines traditional murano techniques with today's fashion to create stunning, beautiful pieces. Murano glass jewelry is made using centuries-old methods, each piece is a one-of-a-kind, handmade work of art and beauty. The pieces are designed with everyone in mind, from the hot trendsetters to those with more classic chic styles. Murano glass collections have something for everyone at every price point. What is also fascinating is that Murano glass jewelry pieces are designed to appeal to today's modern woman while retaining the beauty and traditions of Italy's romantic past. Murano glass jewelry captures the essence of a woman who combines art and fashion to pay attention to herself and loves doing so! So, let's look at the art side of Murano glass.

Murano glass is beautiful hand-blown glass available in rich colorations, each one infused with unexpected color. You will turn heads with the beauty of Murano glass! A dazzling array of styles is offered and each jewelry piece is a work of art. Murano glass inherits its name from the master glass artisans of Murano from way back in the 13th century. Back then, glassmakers were highly regarded, and were the most prominent people in society because of the monopoly in quality glass art, jewelry, and other accessories. This trend went on for centuries, but despite the efforts of Venice to contain the technology of Murano's glass artistry, other glassmakers started to emerge in some parts of Italy.

Today, glass-working technologies are already widespread, but the finest examples of art glass still comes from Murano. Throughout the centuries, Murano's glass masters have refined their techniques and were able to develop crystalline glass, enameled glass, glass with threads of gold, multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass, and imitation gemstones made of glass. Make no mistake about it, the intricately-designed pendants, beads, and gems that are very common nowadays take a lot of work to make.

Murano glass is very much desired. Today, there are about 50 companies and 2,000 artisans making Murano glass. Currently, among the less informed, there remains a misconception that Murano is a composite regional source for art glass, rather than the site of many unique companies, each with its own specialty. Murano glass is completely handmade. It can pricey. However, Murano glass jewelry is a terrific investment in wonderful art! The art of you and your uniqueness. So, express your sense of style with very chic Murano glass necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Take the time to visit our site at www.directfromvenice.com and view the many styles we have available for the discerning shopper.

Copyright (c) 2007 MMC Lifestyles, LLC, dba MMC Style

Murano Glass Bracelets - Italian Glass Bracelets Are A Great Addition To Your Jewelry Box by Jessica Murdock

Are you thinking about purchasing Murano glass bracelets? In this article we are going to speak about why Italian glass bracelets are a great addition to your jewelry box.

If you are a recurrent jewelry wearer then I am sure that you know there are incessant amounts of choices that you can pick from. Murano glass bracelets are one of those choices that you have. Maybe you are questioning why you should pick one of these bracelets over any other one. Let's go ahead and chat about why these Italian glass bracelets are a great addition to your jewelry box.

Unique
You like to be unique, I am certain. Finding jewelry that is unique is sometimes very difficult even though there is so much jewelry out there that you can choose from. Since the process that is used to make the jewelry can never be completely controlled the glass blown jewelry is never exactly the same in it's design, even if it's made from the same pattern. A certain choice when we want to be exclusive are Murano glass bracelets.

Expressive
You will not only a beautiful and matchless piece of jewelry when you get one of your Murano glass bracelets, you also will be able to express yourself. Since there are so many different designs you can locate something that is certain to show just how your personality is. If you are bright and fun then you can get a brightly colored bracelet. If you are dark and brooding, you will be able to locate something that is going to show that side of you as well.

I know that you can see that Italian glass bracelets are beautiful and Murano glass bracelets are a great addition to your jewelry box.

You're Unique - Shouldn't Your Jewelry Be Too?

Handmade jewelry is an extension of your personality and your personal traits. As a reflection of your own character, it’s a total injustice if your jewelry was just made from common stuff. It is worse if your jewelry collections are just the standard off-the shelf items that most people wear, made in a country that specializes in the "Henry Ford" manufacturing process of creating thousands of copies untouched by human hands..

You are unique and that is why your jewelry should be unique also. Murano glass jewelry is a highly customized personal decorative item. It may not be too expensive but its real worth comes from the level of personalization invested on it.

An added bonus is that handmade jewelry can be very flexible. You can use it on any occasion and it will still fit your attire. Because handmade jewelry is made not just for the clothes you wear but for your very own personal and unique characteristics. This is the secret why the unique handmade jewelry crafted by the glass masters of Murano, Italy, is very versatile.

You may want to achieve a modern look to your personality and add a funky playfulness to your wardrobe.  If so, then handmade jewelry should be your only option. You need to buy an article of handmade jewelry that can accurately depict your unique sense of modern playfulness and zest.

Unique handmade jewelry can provide color to your modern ensemble. You might opt for an all black satin night dress and top it off with a multicolor necklace made in the same time honored tradition founded 800 years ago. The contrast will surely garner attention, making heads turn. You’re actually exuding the seriousness of modern lifestyles but with a bit of lively playfulness avoiding a drab and monotonous outlook.

Murano glass jewelry can also be used to emphasize a personal statement. You may use your handmade jewelry to express your indignation or approval for a certain issue. It can highlight your advocacy in a very fashionable and cultured manner. You will end up getting your expected attention without really doing anything. All you did was to wear a piece of very unique handmade jewelry that carries your personal statement.

Handmade jewelry is not a modern invention. In fact, early humans and the ancients decorated themselves with handmade beads or anything they found beautiful. As the technology for jewelry making advanced, the sophistication of hand made jewelry making also improved. However, Murano glass has been made the same way since its inception, unlike its modern counterparts.

Today, you can find lots of hand made jewelry set as bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings, head gears, and decorative buttons, pins or clasps. If you want to highlight your unique personality or rise above the drabness of mass produced accessories, at prices which are comparable to those of mass produced articles, then you need to invest in history with articles made from Murano glass.

Remember, each of us is unique and we should show that in all we do, including the wearing of jewelry which will show just how unique we are.

Murano Glass - An Ancient Art Form Still Popular Today

There are reasons why Murano glass is so versatile. The first is the number of different styles available. They range from the floral patterned Millefiori (or thousand flowers) glass to abstract Ghiaccio (or ice) glass. Some styles of glass also use metal fragments such as gold, silver, or even copper to give the pieces a sparkly accent that is incredibly popular in today's market.

Although Venice was the original home of glassblowing in Italy, it was moved to Murano in 1291 and glassblowers have been converging on the area to learn the tricks and techniques that produce high quality items on such a consistent basis. Glass jewelry is only one of the items which are made there. Venetian glass from Murano is also made into many household items such as paperweights, dishes, stemware and other ornamental items.

If you want to order a piece of glass jewelry, you should think about the style of glass you like and the colors you want to incorporate. Some of the basic types of glass include: Avventurina, which uses particles of metal in order to make it shimmer; Chalcedony, which uses veins of color running through a dark colored glass to make it look like stone; Millefiori, which is made of flower-shaped canes of glass sliced into portions which make up the pattern on the glass and Filigrana which uses thin glass canes that run throughout the piece of glass.

You should also think about the color of the piece you want. The good thing about glass jewelry made from Murano glass is that it is available in a wide range of colors. You can find pieces that use neutral colors for a more understated look and pieces which use Murano signature rich coloring to make a bolder fashion statement.

You can find jewelry which incorporates large pieces of glass as well as smaller beads. Depending on the look you want, you may be interested in pieces which use a combination of different sizes and shapes of beads. You should also remember that since each piece of glass is handmade, there will be variations and it is almost impossible to get two pieces which look exactly alike.

Caring for your glass pieces is not difficult, but you do want to take good care of them. When well cared for, these pieces will serve you for many years and retain their colors, sparkle, shine and beauty. With necklaces and pendants, you want to periodically check the chain or cord and especially the closure parts, to make sure they are in good condition. This is important to prevent the situations in which your glass pendant or necklace will fall and break. Periodically wipe your glass necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings, and other Murano glass wares with a soft velvet cloth to ensure that they continues to reflect light in an optimal way. You can wash them in warm water with mild soaps to return them to their original sparkle. Never use any chemical cleaners to wash your Murano jewelry.

With Murano rings and bracelets, you need to be careful not to break them while doing manual work. Although your pieces are strong and durable, as with any jewelry, if you plan on gardening, washing dishes, cleaning, or doing other similar work, remove your glass rings and bracelets to avoid getting them soiled, or, even worse, cracked. Unfortunately, Murano glass jewelry cannot be repaired once it is broken, so it is important to take good care of it in order to make it last a long time.

Why Choose the Beauty of Murano Glass

Murano glass is a bit like champagne in the sense that a product that is widely used and widely made, used to only be made in one town. In the 13th century, Murano hosted the best glass artisans in the whole of Italy. These true artisans were the absolute elite in creating beautiful glass designs, glass jewelry, etc. Because Murano glass was so special and highly regarded even in those times, when the glass making techniques slipped out of Murano to glass makers from other regions of Italy, the majority of glass makers decided to respect the craftsmanship of the Murano jewelers and glass makers, and so they reached a massive consensus to keep the name Murano as a way of recognizing the designers and inventors of this beautiful art form.

Murano glass now comes in an incredibly large variety of styles and designs. Besides the well known multi-colored enamel glass, the best glass makers in Italy also designed and created beautiful crystalline glass, milk glass, and possibly the most beautiful and appealing of all the styles, the aventurine, which is glass that contains designs made with gold threads. The process of making Murano glass could never be automated at any level, so all the beautiful pendants, earrings, rings, and brooches are still completely hand made with great attention to detail by the greatest glass craftsmen and jewelers in Italy, the home of Murano glass.

The process through which Murano glass is created has not changed throughout the centuries. Murano glass is made out of the finest silica that is molten and transformed into high quality glass. There are different compounds that are being added to the glass to prolong the time the glass stays molten and malleable, then coloring agents are added. For example, did you know that for that beautiful red color, there are no red coloring agents added, but a especially created gold solution? Just like this simple fact, all the other aspects of making Murano glass are simply spectacular.

Each and every piece of jewelry made out of or with Murano glass, is absolutely unique, and this is what gives it the special something. Knowing that the brooch or the earrings you are wearing are absolutely unique in the world is simply extraordinary. Brooches and pendants made out of Murano glass have a distinct sense of style to them, and this makes them suitable to be worn with a great variety of outfits, both formal and informal. The quality is not just fine, it is impeccable and perfect.

Why Choose Murano Glass Jewelry Imported Directly From Italy

Murano glass can be seen as the closest thing to perfection there is in this world. To many of you, this affirmation might seem presumptuous, if not extremely daring. However, any affirmation must be sustained with convincing arguments, and this is what I am about to do.

There is no definition for perfection, because nothing in this world can be perfect. However, many things can get really close to this status and Murano glass from Italy is one of them. Why? Well, to answer that question we must think of the qualities to look for in a glass object that strive for perfection. First of all, we want that object to reach the highest standards in the manufacturing process and the materials used. Second of all, we must measure the uniqueness of that object. Third of all, we have to consider the usefulness of the object. Fourth of all, but not last, we should also take into consideration the meaningfulness of the object. Of course, there are many other aspects that must be considered, but these are some of the most important ones, the ones that help us prove that Murano glass is close to perfection
.

So, as I have said before, we must first consider the quality of the object, in our case Murano glass Italy. This type of glass has been manufactured for over seven hundred years, in fully equipped shops, using precise techniques and top of the line materials. In manufacturing Murano glass no lead or nickel is used, compared to other types of jewels. Experience, dedication, great materials and impressive manufacturing techniques, together with the fact that even to this day, Murano glass from Italy is one of the most desired pieces of artwork, are the first steps that lead to perfection.

Uniqueness is the second aspect that must be fulfilled. Murano glass jewelry, for example, or any other Murano glass decoration, is unique because of the mysterious manufacturing process, the mixture of colors, the multitude of shapes and patterns. Although there are many standards that have to be met in manufacturing Murano glass jewelry, there is room for the manufacturer to express his or her creativity. Each person can bring a little to every piece they create. Murano glass is also extremely colorful. However, it is unique because colors are combined in a special manner. The Murano red is not the red we know. Furthermore, the thousands of different shapes and patterns that Murano glass jewelry can take stand as proof that each piece is unique and there are no two pieces alike.

The usefulness of the object is the third important aspect. Murano glass from Italy means jewelry, decorative objects, glasses, vases, lamps and so on. So, any murano glass object is useful, but extremely rare and beautiful at the same time.

Last, but not least the object should be meaningful. The history behind Murano glass is an aspect that should definitely not be overlooked. This type of glass has been produced in Murano since 1292 and before that, it was produced in Venice. The thought alone that you could be one of the owners of Murano glass jewelry or a decorative Murano glass piece that has been manufactured the same time honored way for more than seven hundred years is meaningful enough.

Five Reasons to Choose Murano Glass Necklaces

Whenever we want to come up with a gift for a special person, we try our best to find the best gift we could possibly give. No matter the occasion or the recipient, the gift is also a reflection of the person who gives it, as well as the one for whom it is intended. Having all this in mind, we search for the best gift we could find and it should be beautiful, sophisticated yet practical, meaningful and of superior quality. Now, that the standards have been set, finding the gift is our main concern. We prepare for a lot of searching, stressful situations and possibly despair. However, to everyone's surprise is not at all was expected. Finding the right gift is as easy as “one, two, three”: a Murano glass necklace.

The second you lay your eyes on a Murano glass heart necklace you will know it would be the best gift you could ever give. Of course, although we might believe that jewels are not for anyone and wonder why should Murano glass be that special? Well, indeed, not all gifts should be jewels, but consideration of Murano glass objects should be high on your list. And, what’s more, Murano glass is very special, for all the following reasons:

One, it is meaningful. The history behind any Murano glass object, and especially Murano glass necklaces, is the first aspect to consider. In 1292, Italian glass manufacturers started making some of the most amazing glass objects in the world. Murano was the place where the magic began. However, Venice was the first place where Murano glass necklaces came to life. This type of glass has been successfully produced over a period of more than seven hundred years. I’d say that’s meaningful enough. Imagine wearing a piece of jewelry with this kind of history! Amazing, isn’t it?

Two: quality matters a great deal. Unlike other pieces of jewelry, Murano glass necklaces have no lead or nickel in them unlike most counterfeit copies made in other countries. So from the start, they are superior in quality. Moreover, they are only made from the best quality materials, following very old traditions that have been standardized according to modern requirements.

Third: beauty is never going to be overrated. A Murano glass heart necklace is incredibly beautiful and there is no doubt about that. Diversity, unique design, millions of colors and combinations, great patterns, are just some of the qualities of any Murano glass necklace and the reason why we could never question their beauty.

Four: accessories should be equally practical and elegant. Murano glass necklaces are elegant, sophisticated, and can be breathtaking, yet they can be matched to any outfit. Whether you go shopping or to a fancy dinner party, on a night out with your friends or to a glamorous social event, you can wear a piece of Murano jewelry and know that you will never go wrong.

All of the above qualities and many others that you will surely discover, make any Murano glass necklace take your breath away.  So, as true as it may be that Murano glass necklaces are not the only perfect gifts out there, they are surely closer to perfection than many others!

Murano Glass Heart Necklace – A Great Gift on Any Occasion

Situated on the eastern coast of Italy, Venice is among the world’s most vibrant tourist destinations. This multicultural city is worldwide famous for a number of things, such as its canals and gondolas, its spectacular architecture and, of course, its glass work. Right in the heart of Venice is the small island of Murano, where artisans have been skillfully crafting the amazing Murano glass for over seven hundred years now.

A perfect combination of traditional lines and contemporary colors and styles, Murano glass is worldwide famous and various objects decorate millions of homes around the world, just as Murano glass jewelry and accessories are worn by millions of women around the globe.

Jewelry has always been a must-have for most women. However, not all women can make friends with diamonds, as we would like. Nevertheless, Murano glass jewelry can make for a very good substitute for precious gems. It is stylish, elegant, beautiful and classy. No other piece of jewelry is as vibrantly colored, and you have a very wide range of styles and colors to choose from. You can have a piece of Murano glass jewelry to go with each of your outfits for different occasions.

The variety of colors, styles and shapes makes each piece of Murano glass jewelry special and unique. In addition to being one of kind, a Murano glass heart necklace, for instance, will be the perfect accessory to any outfit, irrespective of the occasion you are wearing it to.

Furthermore, a Murano glass heart pendant (and any piece of Murano glass jewelry for that matter) can be a great gift to someone you love. There are always occasion to give a unique and meaningful gift to someone special. More often than not, choosing the perfect gift can be a difficult task. Given their beauty and uniqueness, Murano glass jewelry and decorations will always make for a great gift. You can never go wrong with a Murano glass heart for your girlfriend, your mother, your sister, or any other special woman in your life.
When it comes to choosing an exquisite piece of jewelry to wear to a special occasion, a Murano glass heart necklace is one of the best options. It is not nearly as expensive as gold or precious stones, but it is equally elegant and beautiful. And with the many models and colors to choose from, you will certainly be one of a kind. And the good news is you don’t even have to go to Italy to purchase and authentic Murano glass heart pendant or any other piece of jewelry made of this beautiful glass. There are many online shops that sell Murano glass jewelry and objects of décor. Your only concern should be to find the genuine ones, because there are also many cheap replicas out there.

All in all, Murano glass jewelry is the best choice whenever you want to be stylish or give a meaningful gift to someone dear. With so many unique pieces of jewelry to choose from, you will certainly be able to find the best gift.

Murano Jewelry – Wear a Piece of Venice Close to Your Heart

Murano glass is not merely a commodity like diamonds, silver, or gold. It is an expression of style, beauty, quality craftsmanship, and tradition that can pride itself on long history and unique heritage.

Made in Venice from as early as the 7th century and organized as an official craft since the 1200’s, Murano glass in its simplest form is born in special furnaces by melting silica with certain minerals till liquid state, shaping them up to form a required object, then cooling it down. The basics of the craft were learnt by Venetians from the ancient Romans as well as the Middle-Eastern cultures after the conquest of Constantinople. But over the years many secrets of the craft were lost and had to be re-discovered, making Murano glass masters not only artisans, but patients researchers, experimenters, chemistry wizards, and artists. To become worthy of their respected name, the glassmakers studied the craft for years working alongside their fathers to perfect the chemistry and timing of the process, be precise with very simple instruments and create beautiful shapes. That is why most Murano glassmaking firms have been owned and operated by the same families for centuries.

The objects created by Murano glass masters in the early years of the craft were mostly utilitarian yet very expensive and affordable only to successful merchants and nobility. As the appeal of these objects grew and they became more widespread, Venetian masters started to create other types of objects which were more of a fashion statement than a useful household article. Among vases, figurines, and beautiful table centerpieces, eventually some artisans started to create Murano jewelry. Some of the earliest mentions of this go back to the late 1700’s when famous German poet Goethe who traveled to Venice was surprised to see Murano jewelry available for sale there. However, it was not really until later in the 20th century that Venetian jewelry became readily available on the market. In the 20th century most Murano masters were busy with the attempts to revive the stagnant glass-blowing industry and give it its former luster, and to achieve that they focused on participation in prestigious international exhibitions, where artworks such as vases and decorative tableware were represented. As the world gradually became re-acquainted with Murano glass and realized it value and uniqueness, jewelry-making started to prosper on Murano as well, presenting a way to own and wear a unique artistic object at a fraction of the cost of museum-worthy Venetian art glass.

Today’s fashion with its emphasis on unique, hand-made, colorful accessories serves as a perfect backdrop for wearing Murano jewelry. At the time when every type of jewelry is available from diamond extravagance to plastic minimalism, traditional and gorgeous Venetian jewelry graces the necks, wrists and ears of both the world’s elite and regular people with appreciation of Italian style and Murano tradition. The great abundance of accessories for every budget and taste makes people that want to stand out look for something artistic, hand-made and one-of-a-kind. Thus, people buy Venetian jewelry not only because of its exquisite hand-made beauty, but also because of the rich history that surrounds Murano glass and the special mood that these accessories create, evoking the magical images of Venetian palazzos, canals, and gondolas.
While authentic Venetian jewelry is popular and well-known these days, it is by no means available on every corner. However, for those with a desire to buy any of these special pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces, there are options for every style and budget. From small elegant studs to opulent beaded necklaces, from traditional classic shapes to Art Nouveau and minimalistic designs, Murano offers amazing variety of unique and colorful hand-made jewelry. And if you don’t plan to visit Venice any time soon, you have a great option of buying authentic Venetian jewelry online from a reputable local importer of these pieces.

Whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy your very own piece of Venice for years to come and get many compliments every time you wear it.

Jewelry Made With Love

How often don’t we go out in a shopping spree only to come back home with at least one item which was NOT on the shopping list in the first place? Let’s be honest, it happenes to most of us :-) And quite often this extra, ultra special item that stole our eyes and hearts is a piece of… jewelry. Be it a gold jewellery, a silver charm, a costume jewelry or just a hand made trinket, they do attract us like a magnet.

Often it is the design that steals our eyes, some other times it is the quality that shines through the display window… Either way, let’s admit it: in a woman’s life (and heart!) there are so many reasons that demand that unique piece of jewelry. Be it a rainy morning or a special social event where we really wish to stand out… only to discover that we wear the same jewelry with someone else… Just like each and every woman is unique, she longs, needs and deserves to wear an exclusive jewelry; something no necessary expensive, but 100% original, distinctive.

For this reason the jeweler which is capable to offer original, one of its kind design will always be in high demand. In these modern days of fast foods, rush hour and gadgets; deep down in our hearts we long to draw up some sort of boundary, let our unique personality shine through: thus looking out for distinctive accessories.


Who are these jewelry manufacturers who know just how to create exclusive hand made jewelries just for us, women? They are the Master Artisans from the Island of Murano, in the Venice lagoon, Italy. Their glass products (not only jewelries, but home décor, lighting solutions too) are appreciated all over the world because of their beauty, quality and prestige. Through an alchemy of minerals and fire, right out of sand crystals, the Murano Glass is born with its endless colors and shades. The moment when Murano Glass jewelries come to life from the talented hands of the glass artisans is a magical one, their gifted hands melting and twisting the glass, giving it new shapes as if in a dream.

The layers of glass are twisted and combined in a fantasy of colors only o create the colorful Murrine, millefiori or thousand flowers that are later applied in refined silver or gold frames, creating the original Murano beads and pendants.

All in one, Murano is the place where, right through the centuries, the secrets of the hand crafted glass have been carefully passed on from father to son.  Using the best quality silica for their Murano glass, drawing fresh inspiration from the lightness of nature and the rich colors of the Italian spirit, using creative designs and the latest innovations in esthetics, these talented Murano manufacturers hand craft unique, out of this world pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, pouring into the glass a piece of their passionate Italian spirit as well. The Murano designs are not objects of the past, but true creations of the latest contemporary style.

The romantic Italian soul shines through each and every Murano item; with love as the secret ingredient, the Murano jewelries will for ever surprise, ignite one’s imagination and stand out in admiration.

Glass Jewelry: Fashion, Beauty and Elegance

No other accessories can match the evocative beauty of glass jewelry. Glass jewelry can be handcrafted from sea glass or manufactured using state of the art glass technology. Fashion experts are increasingly using glass as a standalone jewelry item or as an important part of their creations.

The most well known glass jewelry designs are created using Venetian river glasses. Not far behind in popularity are glass jewelry designs crafted from the exotic beach glasses of the Caribbean. Both have a rustic beauty in them reflecting the serenity and beauty of river lagoons and clear beaches.

If you want add color to your wardrobe, then wear a glass jewelry bead necklace. The glass beads can consist of various glass colors of different shapes and sizes. It will surely enhance your presence in any occasion.

If you want a more subdued and refined glass jewelry, then you can choose smaller white or semitransparent glass beads. Deep blue glasses are also perfect if you want a more laid back but elegant accessory.

Your choices of colors for glass jewelry are virtually limitless. Almost all hues of known colors can be used to complement your get up. Red and orange for a fiery presence while purple or green colors can be used for a more formal look.

You can also choose from different shapes of beads to make your glass jewelry. There are perfectly round beads that approximate the shapes of pearls. There are also heart-shaped glass beads to create a highly customized look for your glass jewelry.

Glass jewelries however are not exclusively used as necklaces. You can use glass beads for your earrings and bracelets. Some glass jewelry can crafted with gold frames or silver linings. In this way, the value of your glass jewelry can be enhanced. Gold frames are perfect for glass beads used for earrings. It can create an illusion of depth for your glass earrings thus making it more attractive.

Glass jewelry is a unique piece of adornment. It is a standard practice of high class jewelry makers not to make copies of a design. So when you buy glass jewelry, you can be assured that your piece was designed just for you. There are no other glass jewelry designs that will look exactly like yours. This adds to the allure of glass jewelry.

You have to use long beaded glass jewelry with large pendant if you want to highlight your neck. It is also advisable to use the bright color glass jewelries if you plan to wear dark clothes.

For a more modern look, you can wear a V-shaped dark blouse or a long-sleeved dark cotton sports shirt and adorn it with yellow or bright green small glass necklace. While these colors will not scream, the lively colors will balance your dark modern wardrobe.

On the other hand, if you opt for light color dresses for the ultimate summer and casual look, you must use dark colored glass jewelry. Deep blue or amber will be perfect for your casual ensemble. The white background will set your jewelry apart, making it more noticeable.

All About Murano Glass Jewelry

You must have worn at least one Murano Glass Bracelet in your life. The ultra cool smokey beads are perfect for every occasion. But do you know where the Murano glass comes from? Murano glass comes from a tiny, yet beautiful island in north of Venice, named Murano. The island is undisputed capital of the world famous Venetian glass, since ages. Murano bracelets, necklaces, artifacts, showpieces, flower pots etc. made out of this glass are extremely popular for their unique style and gorgeous colors.

Murano bracelets are probably the widest selling item of this glass. The beautiful shades, shapes and designs of designer glass bracelets have made the Murano style glass a favorite of women all around the world. But creating this type of jewelry is not easy. It takes years of experience and hard work to achieve dexterity in this profession. Making this glass is an art which makes every Murano glass bracelet or Murano glass pendant chain, a treasured piece of art. The glass maker has to know the exact composition of chemicals to get a particular shade in the glass. The structure of this glass is so delicate that even a slight change can spoil the entire beauty of the finish product.

For instance, in order to achieve the aquamarine shade, which is readily used to make designer articles, a well defined mixture of copper and cobalt is needed. This shade is widely used in creating a variety of Murano glass pieces. Many different shades and designs are created with the various combinations of compounds. No wonder the designer dlass bracelets are a favorite of designers all over the world.

Beads are very much in style these days and glass beaded bracelets are the most beautiful items made out of them. Even though, plastic, stone and other types of beads are also available in the market, the color, quality and beauty of Murano beads and the glass beaded bracelets made out of them are way ahead of all of them.
Even though, this glass is also being produced in many parts of the world now, but the best quality and authentic Murano glass and jewelry is still only available on the island of Murano. Glass makers still produce it with age old techniques and methods which have been passed on through generations of family designers. There is a huge amount of counterfeit designer glass bracelets in the market these days and buyers should make sure that they are not being cheated.

The authentic Murano glass is only produced on the Venetian island; and Murano style cubic zirconia, which are originated somewhere else, are fake. All good jewelry designers make it a point to import this gorgeous glass to create an authentic Murano glass article because they know that true Murano glass is not just a material for jewelry making, but is also a part of history and tradition.

As an interesting note, I received a sales flyer in the mail today from a major department store.  Amazingly, enough they have the same article we sell on our web site for sale.  Their regular price is $700.00, sale price is $279.00.  Ours - $44.00.  Pretty easy to figure out where the best deal for your money is.  Until next time. 

Murano? Unique? Why?

Glass is all around us and it has been for centuries. It is so commonly used that we literally see through it… so why pay so much for a piece of glass jewelry? Just because it is Made in Murano?

Exactly.....Because it is Made in Murano!

Heat a blob of glass until molten, hold it with tongs or pliers (“borselle”) and attach an iron blowpipe to it. Now, roll the hot ball of glass while at the same time you’re blowing through a blowing pipe (“canna da soffio”). Then heat the glass again and repeat the above steps in order to obtain a small wonder. That’s exactly how the magic of Murano glass begins.
Just as magic and nevertheless as extraordinary, glass is all around us. Found in many different colors and shapes, be it a vase, a bowl, a church’s stained glass (medieval glass) or a bead necklace; with gold or silver embedded in it or in vibrant colors… each and every glass object is absolutely unique.  Exclusively hand made by a glass artist, a craftsman or a Master Artisan, hand made glass objects and especially Murano glass items are unique.

Why?

Because at the other end of the blowpipe a human being is blowing life into the glass. And also for the very simple reason that human beings cannot make two identical objects, just similar ones.  This is the genuine appeal and magic of a blown glass item: one can have as many as one can afford to buy and they can be more or less beautiful, but no two of them will ever be the same if they are individually blown. And glass has been manufactured since the 3rd millennium BC in Egypt, where 1st century BC holds evidence of the first true blown glass in Syria.

Throughout the centuries blown glass has remained a luxury material and its art has flourished during the Roman world. The white silica sand from this area was the ideal raw material to be used in the production of Roman glass due to its low impurity levels. Starting with the 14th century, the island of Murano, off the shore of Venice, Italy, started to hold the monopoly in luxury glass creations: dinnerware, mirrors, jewelry, lighting products. It is here that throughout a laborious and demanding work of art experts craftsmen have been producing for many centuries blown glass objects of rare beauty; as finely labored as lace, as light as feathers, yet full of glorious colors. It is here that the Murano glass tradition as we know it today begun: paperweights, vases, chandeliers, mirrors, candy-glass ornaments, plates in different sizes and shapes, bottles of all sizes, tableware, small colored animals, figurines, calligraphy pens and of course jewelries! With regards to jewelry, one popular souvenir is la Murrina: a slim round pendant in colored glass with spiral or flower patterns that is hung on gold, silver or just a simple cotton necklace around your neck.

The art of glass blowing is first of all a family tradition in Italy, as a thorough understanding of the material and excellent glassblowing techniques are required to fully exploit the qualities of the glass. Technical knowledge and skills combined with passion and pride taken in a work well done are passed on through generations of glassblowers and are developed in conjunction with a sense of elegance and style, thoroughly appropriate to the material.

Some of the Murano manufacturers are world-known for the beauty of the shapes, the difficulty of their craft, and the constant quality of their product; think vintage Venini or Seguso. But even smaller manufacturers nowadays create outstanding products, and indeed sometimes they can afford more freely to experiment and try new combinations, both in design and in balancing the colors, still always conforming to the traditional manufacturing techniques.

Authentic Murano glass – especially the larger, more valuable pieces – comes accompanied by a guarantee, be it the artist’s signature or workshop’s trademark or a slip containing a certificate of authenticity. An original Murano item is heavy, its colors bright and its glass flawless. The lack of such a guarantee does not necessarily mean that one would be dealing with a fake or a copy.  But then, how can I tell the real thing, how can I be confident that I’m not being sold "fake" Murano glass? Our advice is to buy from respectable, specialized shops or at online businesses such as ours which provide certificates of authenticity.

And above all, do not be afraid to ask questions, whether it be to us or to the shop owner.  The best Murano glass dealers have an in-depth knowledge of their wares and will be all too happy to answer your questions and help you make the best choice possible.

Last but not least, remember that Murano is an investment, both cultural and financial!

Reasons To Buy Murano Glass Jewelry Online

Glass jewelry is a gem of its own. It exudes elegance and rustic beauty which could enhance your sense of self-confidence. You can also buy glass jewelry and give it to your loved ones to show your affection for them. Finding glass jewelry on the Internet is easy. Most search engines can provide you with a list of hundreds of online jewelry stores. You just have to choose which online glass jewelry shop sells the best products and offers good prices.

Online glass jewelry shopping offers many benefits. Here are the top ten reasons why you should buy glass jewelry from online stores.

1. Online glass jewelry stores offer convenience. You can browse numerous glass jewelry shops without leaving your home. All you will ever need is your computer and you’re set to shop online.

2. Buying online can provide you with wider choices compared to shopping at the malls. You can compare products and prices from hundreds of online glass jewelry shops. The existence of online auctions also adds variety for your online shopping experience. You can certainly make wiser decisions if lots of choices will be available for you.

3. Glass jewelry from the Internet is much cheaper than in regular jewelry shops. Because of stiff competition on the Internet, online businesses make it a point to provide competitive prices. The price of glass jewelry is also significantly lower in online auction sites. You can always find a good quality bargain if you buy jewelry online.

4. Internet buying offers different modes of payment. So you will not be limited cash transactions only. You can use your credit card or your debit card to purchase glass jewelry online. There are also sites that provide facilities for other electronic means of payment. All you need is an electronic banking account to buy your fancied glass jewelry.

5. You can also find lots of promotions from Internet shops. These are marketing strategies of online businesses which can reduce the price of your glass jewelry.

6. You can also take advantage of free shipping and deliveries offered by online jewelry stores. If you buy a certain amount of glass jewelry from online shops, they could extend to you their free delivery services.

7. Most online shops also offer money back guarantees. You can buy from their line of products but if you find them inferior, then you can return the items. Online shops have specific return policies and you should read them carefully.

8. Because most online jewelry shops are small businesses, you can get personalized service from them. You can send mail or call their numbers and a staff will attend to your needs.

9. There are online shops that offer handcrafted glass jewelries. These products are certainly more beautiful than the mass produced ones.

10. Finally, you can build a lasting business relationship with your favorite jewelry site. You can now get their preferred customer service extended only for regulars.

Buying glass jewelry from the Internet has many advantages. You can surely enjoy the convenience of online shopping and get the most beautiful glass jewelry for you and your loved one.