Caterina Arado unLimited provides the opportunity for all to experience the quality and beauty of the artistic glasswork of the master glass makers of Venice and Murano, Italy.

We currently specialize in Murano Glass and Italian art pieces. All of our Murano jewelry is handcrafted in the ancient traditions of Venetian artisans. Each comes with certificates of authenticity.

We import only the highest quality products from established manufacturers that have practiced their art for centuries. All our handcrafted items are unique in their own way, and, because they are each handmade, no two items are 100% alike. While we pride ourselves in providing the highest quality art pieces, we also aim in providing a wide array of unique pieces that can compliment any collector's taste. If you have a design in mind and cannot locate it on our website or you would like assistance in finding art pieces to compliment your home or office; please contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you with a special or custom order.

As with every successful business, the company is based on our commitment to our customers. Our job is to insure that you are fully satisfied with our products and rely on your feedback to us in order to improve and expand our offerings. If you ever have a comment, question, or request, we are committed to helping you in any way we can.

Our company policy is based on the belief that satisfied customers are the cornerstone of our business.

Please enjoy your shopping experience at CaterinaArado.com and we invite you to stop by as often as you like.

We hope you enjoy browsing our store and please send your comments--help us make CaterinaArado.com your favorite place to find Murano Glassware on the web.

History

Murano, an island located near Venice, is regarded as being synonymous with the production of the finest and most elegant glass. Items crafted in Murano are the most recognizable glass products in world.

The art of glass-making in Venice has been present in the city since its very settlement. The Venetians acquired glass-making techniques from other civilizations through their extensive trading colonies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Islamic territories. Around the year 1292, Venetian glassmakers learned every known aspect of glassmaking. Although they were not the only ones to make glass, Venetian production has always been more refined. In the same period, the whole Venetian glassmaking production was moved to the isolated island of Murano becoming one of the world's first industrial districts.

There are several explanations as to why production was moved to Murano. One thesis says that it was a precaution against fire hazard. If a fire should have accidentally escaped it would have risked causing great tragedy among the largely wooden structures of crowded Venice. Another more frequently suggested opinion is that the move was made to isolate the glassblowing masters and prevent the sharing of knowledge with foreigners. As glass trading with fine Venetian glass was one of the leading sources of trade, it comes as no surprise that glassmaking was one of Venice's most guarded secrets. The art of glassmaking was handed down from father to son, and then became a trade exclusively for those born on the island of Murano. A glassmaker that left the Venetian State was condemned to death as a traitor.

The dominance of Venetian glass lasted until the 19th century when the political situation lead to the development of glassmaking in other European countries. However, the Murano School remains one of the most important in the world, and has retained its influence right up to modern times.