Murano

I recently took some time off and went to Europe for a vacation, however, design is always on my mind and after spending some time in Venice where I saw glass everywhere – jewelry, charms, and of course spectacular chandeliers and vases—I’ve been feeling very inspired by Murano glass.

Murano is an island just off the coast of Venice and has a world-renowned reputation for exquisite glassmaking. Craftsmen there use centuries-old techniques to craft everything from wine stoppers to contemporary art made from glass…the pieces are always amazingly delicate and colorful. Actually, other than vases, which tend to be heavy, Murano is very fragile, so I wouldn’t display it in a room where kids will be throwing balls around!

However, for an elegant dining room, Murano chandeliers are great. I’m particularly fond of the more subdued ones. I saw some chandeliers made of clear glass with gold flecks. I also love the idea of adding smoky-toned gray vases, drinking glasses or other decorative accessories in a home space or office. Of course, the downside to anything made with exceptional craftsmanship is price, BUT Murano is one of those things that you can always get a great deal on when shopping on eBay. In fact, as some of you may know, eBay collaborated with Cynthia Rowley for her fashion show during Fashion Week, providing her with jewelry that was purchased off of eBay. The jewelry was included in her show and one of the pieces provided for the show was a beautiful Murano ring that sold for only $17.99.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190136256153&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=009Here

Here are some other great Murano pieces I recently spotted on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Modern-Contemporary-Murano-Art-Deco-Glass-Chandelier-86_W0QQitemZ160173104458QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20698QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-MURANO-ARTGLASS-BOWL-HOME-DECOR-ANTIQUES-OFFICE_W0QQitemZ130167347608QQihZ003QQcategoryZ994QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem