subject: How to tell if my Murano Chandelier or Art Glass is genuine? [print this page] How to tell if my Murano Chandelier or Art Glass is genuine?
Murano glass has been blown on the Venetian island of Murano since the 13th century (1293). At the present time, there are approximately 173 showrooms / Furnaces on and around the island of Murano. Most of the furnaces are on the Italian mainland and the showrooms then dot the island, scattered amongst the streets and waterfront canals of Murano. How then do I know my Murano glass is authentic? Well even Murano glass has been faked and sold as authentic. A recent seziure of over 16 Million USD worth of glass that was being sold as authentic Murano was found to be fake and siezed by Italian authorities. Jewllery, beads, vases and other items were seized by Italian Police in a raid across the island of Murano. These items were being produced in China, shipped to Murano then onsold amongst genuine Murano items, even with genuine Murano labels applied.
There are so many ways in which genuine Murano items can be marked. Labels quite commonly applied in paper foil and signed / dated pieces are probably the most common way in which Murano glass is sold. Some chandeliers also come with an applied glass seal by the furnace that produced it. Probably the most disturbing development is the fact that even signatures are being faked and engraved onto pieces attempting to pass themselves off as being genuine Murano. Authentic Murano glass is always relatively lightweight, clarity of colours is always a telltale sign and being able to handle and see genuine Murano glass is always the best way to build up the confidence to purchase without worry. Our Murano glass range is completely authentic with each and every piece certified as authentic. Take art glass vases by Afro Celotto for example. All his pieces carry a diamond engraved signature with the date of production so you know these peices are the real McCoy!
Murano glass is the most popular of any art glass in the world so faking by the Chinese is a growing concern. The recent seizure of thousand of items being sold as genuine Murano glass is proof that the only way to ensure that the item you purhcase is what it is meant to be, is to buy from an organisation who specialises in Murano glass.
