Explore The Beauty Of A Murano Chandelier

In the distant past chandeliers were so rare and expensive that only royalty could afford them. Nowadays, there are so many different styles of chandeliers available at all price levels that it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices! The right choice of a chandelier is extremely important as it is one of the most important details of the interior design. That is why people who care about the look and style of their home and want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere often look for a unique, one-of-a-kind chandelier. Just such a chandelier can be found in Murano, Italy.

Murano island, located just north of Venice, Italy, is a world-famous center of glassmaking that has been housing the glass producers since the thirteenth century. All of the glassmakers were moved to this island in 1291 from Venice as a result of dangerous fires jeopardizing the largely wooden structures of Venice. These days, all the major Murano glass producers are still based on this small island, and they keep up the ancient glassmaking traditions.

Murano glass chandeliers are entirely hand-made in the ancient traditions of the craft using the same techniques and tools that were employed by the artisans’ predecessors centuries ago. That is why when you are purchasing a Murano chandelier, you are not simply purchasing an object that was made to light a room, you are actually purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece of history that has been created by master artisans with care and passion. Murano glass is extremely high-quality and certainly one of the best types of art glass in the world, so when you buy a Murano chandelier, you can rest assured that you are buying the very best.

If you happen to be looking for a Murano chandelier, there are many things to consider before you purchase one. First of all, if you are not buying your chandelier physically in Murano, make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller who carries only authentic Murano glass. For that you need to know whether the seller or the maker of the chandeliers are members of Consortium Promovetro – the only Venetian Glass industry organization that promotes authenticity of Murano glass against the multitude of counterfeits and fakes available in the world today. Quoting from the Consortium’s website, “it represents over 70 craft and industrial businesses on Murano and in Venice. Since its foundation, Promovetro has worked hard to promote the image of Murano's artistic glass with the declared intent of conserving, safeguarding and defending Murano's thousand year old art of glass, and at the same time to promote, develop and assist in properly marketing this important cultural heritage in the world.”

Secondly, decide on a style you like, the size, and the number of lamps you need. Murano glass chandeliers come in multitude of designs from classic ones that vary little from the antique pieces hanging in Venetian palazzos to art deco or modern ones with clean lines and bold colors. Usually due its handmade nature, each chandelier can be further customized to your requirements in terms of the colors and number of lamps. Keep in mind that Murano artisans can create anything from small and simple wall sconces to large and intricate concert-hall pieces.

Thirdly, consider the price ranges for the chandelier styles you are interested in and definitely do your research to ensure you are getting a good deal. A quick online search will bring up multiple results that will not only allow you to locate the online retailers that will sell a Murano chandelier, but will also let you explore the various styles and compare prices. Just keep in mind as you are doing that to always ensure authenticity, as counterfeit pieces from China and other places outside of Venice will cost much less than the genuine ones. If you cannot buy in Murano, you are usually better off going with a direct importer than with a reseller, who not only has limited knowledge of the market and the products, but also will often charge a higher price and add extra fees to your order.

Last but not least, you need to consider where you are going to put it. A Murano chandelier is not just a light fixture, but a beautiful masterpiece with rich history. It is a treasure that, if placed right, will create a special atmosphere in your home or office. Hanging it in a formal entryway, over a dining room table or in a living room are some of the options, but keep in mind that it needs to work well with the rest of your décor and color scheme.

While there is a multitude of chandeliers on the market today, there is simply nothing that compares to a Murano glass chandelier. The unique design, the amazing heritage, combined with the perfect skill and passion that goes into making these beautiful pieces of art is unparalleled in the world.