FAQ's

1. What is the difference between Venetian Glass and Murano Glass?

2. What can I expect from handmade glass, how is it made?

3. How do I care for my Murano Glass?

4. Does Venetian Glass have any lead in it?

5. Does the glass come with a guarantee?

6. Do you special Order?

7. How fragile is the glass

8. What makes Venetian Glass so treasured?

9. Can I visit a glass factory?

10. How can I make sure that I only buy genuine Murano and Venetian Glass?

11. Do you offer price protection?

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1. What is the difference between Venetian Glass and Murano Glass?

There is basically no difference and the terms are used interchangeably. The glass was originally produced in Venice, but around the year 1293 there was a fear of fires due to the furnaces being used 24 hours per day, or some say there was a need to keep the secrets of making this treasured glass to themselves, the Doges of Venice decreed that all furnaces be moved to Murano, an island about 1 mile from Venice. In those days, that one mile was a significant distance and the glass industry thrived there until today.

2. What can I expect from my handmade glass and how is it made?

The glass begins the night before it is blown. The masters pour a mix of ingredients which may include arsenic, gold, ash, and minerals of all kinds into the large vats which are then heated to the melting point. After a few hours, the bubbling mixture begins to turn into a heavy slurry. The heat is turned down and with time the bubbles begin to dissipate. The next day the glass master arrives and begins working as the glass is not ready to be formed. The dipping of the puntil or blowpipe into the kiln introduces bubbles into the pieces.

Bubbles are a natural part of the Murano Glass as are many other marks that indicate the beauty of a handmade piece of glass. Marks from the puntil will probably be present on most pieces of blown glass and this is a normal result for artistic glass. Slight variations in pattern and design are also to be expected as each piece is handmade and no two are ever alike. This is also true with handmade beads and is part of the beauty of artisan crafted glass.

3. How do I care for my Murano Glass?

For blown glass pieces such as a vase, a little soap and water will make it sparkle like new and should not be affected by air.  Jewelry should be stored in a jewelry box to minimize exposure to oxidizing environments. This is to protect the non-glass parts such as clasps and not the beads. Clean your jewelry with a silver cloth or slightly warm soapy water if necessary. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Liquid chemical cleaners are NOT recommended do to the variety of components used in the jewelry.

4. Does Venetian Glass have any lead in it?

Venetian Glass is soda ash glass and contains no lead.

5. Does the glass come with a guarantee?

We provide you with our manufacturer’s card and Murano Glass guarantee.

6. Do you special Order?

We can do special orders, however, we require a 50% non refundable deposit as once the work is commissioned, we are obligated to complete the contract with the glass master.

7. How fragile is the glass?

It is glass, and like all glass can be broken. The heavier articules such as vases and figurine pieces are  less likely to break, and the beaded jewelry is quite durable (think of marbles), while items such as wine glasses are obviously made for beauty and are very thin.

8. What makes Venetian Glass so treasured?

It's not just the glass, it's the history of the glass. While it's true that Venetian Glass was the first true optically clear glass ever produced, and that many of the tools and techniques created to work the glass were invented in these cities, it is the magic of the islands, of a city on water, the stories of centuries of families that makes it unique. It's the allure of a special place and the creative minds of the glass masters that transform ideas into reality using glass as a canvas. They are often copied but never equaled, their style and design is unique in the world. Venice and Murano are synonymous with the term glass and everyone should own at least one piece of history.

9. Can I visit a glass factory?

Yes, there are many tourist exhibits of blowing glass on the islands of Murano and even one exhibit furnace near San Marco. You can see them make a horse, it seems so easy you'll want to try it. Afterward, you will be guided to the gift shop where you can purchase your own glassware.

10. How can I make sure that I only buy genuine Murano and Venetian Glass?

Like most other products, you need to purchase from reputable vendors that work directly with the artists. CaterinaArado unLimited only carries genuine Venetian and Murano glass, and working directly with individual artists and furnaces we can assure the authenticity of our products. Each item is accompanied with a guarantee card from us. Many of the blown glass items will also feature stickers indicating their authenticity, however, a sticker is not as reliable as your source of purchase. Most bead makers in Venice and Murano and many smaller furnaces are not part of marketing organizations in Murano and Venice and do not carry the "New" Murano label.

11. Do you offer price protection?

Yes, we offer price protection for seven days from the date of your purchase. Should an item you purchased go on sale within seven days of your order date, you will be eligible for the sale price. This applies only to product promotions and not shipping promotions. It is the customer's responsibility to contact us for a price adjustment. Requests for price adjustments must be made with seven days of your purchase and can only be made while the product you purchased is on sale .