You may wonder why glassware from Murano, Italy is so expensive.  Each piece is handmade and Murano, Italy has established itself as a world leader in glassmaking.  Companies such as NasonMoretti, Seguso Viro, and Cenedese make glasses with many intricate pieces fused together.  It takes hours to create a single glass and it is all done by hand.  Many pieces have real gold.  Also, these companies have established themselves with prestigious brand names.  So the resale value is very high for these glasses.  They only go up in value since prices go up every year.  The glasses are typically signed on the bottom or have some sort of marking that guarantees authenticity.  Also, there is limited distribution so that they are hard to find and not in mass production.  Finally, the designs are unique and proprietary.

Murano, Italy has been a mecca for glassmakers since the 13^th century.  Did you know that in the late 13^th century, the Venetian government ordered glassmakers to move their studios to the Island of Murano?  It is most likely because of the dangerous temperatures that are required for making glassware.  Glassmakers use a firing technique that potentially could have burned the city of Venice.  If you’ve been there, you will remember the many wooden boats and structures.

Murano, Italy has become a famous tourist destination.  You can take a boat from Venice and visit the various shops with glassware for sale.  There are also marvelous chandeliers, jewelry and many other works of art.

Murano glassmaking is very important to Italian trade.  Glassmakers have traditionally been treated like royalty.  Famous glassmaking families have married into nobility and have been given privileges usually reserved for royalty.  When you see Murano glassware you will understand why the glassmakers have been so highly regarded over the years and are so important to the Italian economy.