How is Murano glass made?

Murano beads are the fruit of ancestral know-how handed down from generation to generation, the manufacture of which is sometimes jealously guarded to this day. They are distinguished by their incredible diversity of colors and patterns. Shades range from cobalt blue to emerald green, ruby red and golden amber. The patterns are just as varied: marbling, spirals, flowers, geometric shapes...

Each glass bead, created by Murano's master glassmakers, is unique. You'll never find two exactly identical beads, nor the same color or motif twice. This originality brings a unique and authentic character to your DIY costume jewelry creations.

• Mixing the glass: Murano glass is made from silica sand, mixed with other minerals to obtain the desired colors. The mixture is heated at extremely high temperatures until the glass powder becomes a soft mass. The master glassmaker then has to work fast, as the material becomes brittle as it solidifies.

• Spinning The glassmaker takes a small quantity of molten glass with a hollow rod, then blows it into a shape. By turning and manipulating the rod, he forms a round or specially shaped bead. The glass is then shaped with special tools to produce delicate patterns and varied textures.

• Incorporating colors and patterns: To add intricate patterns and vibrant colors, the glassmaker uses colored baguettes or gold and silver leaf. These elements are carefully inlaid into the still-warm pearl.
  The implosion technique creates floral or abstract patterns inside the pearl, giving an impression of depth and movement.

• Cooling: The pearls are then placed in a cooling oven where they slowly solidify, preventing cracks and ensuring their durability.

How can I tell if it's Murano glass?

Handcrafted, Murano beads all have small imperfections: tiny air bubbles, irregularities in shape or color, asymmetry... These little imperfections not only add to their charm, but also guarantee their authenticity and uniqueness.

1 - Look at imperfections

Murano glass is made by hand, which means that each piece is unique and has slight imperfections. You can see tiny air bubbles or variations in the thickness of the glass. Some pieces also bear a kind of "scar" (the Pontil) created by the glassblower when he removed his cane.

2 - Examine quality

Authentic Murano glass is often highly detailed and meticulously finished. The colors are rich and the patterns intricate.
Some counterfeits simply apply color to the surface with a spray. With genuine Murano pearls, on the other hand, the color is integrated into the mass of the glass. To check that the color has been dyed into the glass, simply watch the light shine through the glass.

3 - Be sure of origin

Murano glass beads must be made on the island of Murano, and nowhere else.

The history of Murano glass beads

The history of Murano glass beads is deeply rooted in Venice's rich glassmaking tradition. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when Venice's numerous glassworks were relocated to the island of Murano, one of the islands in the Venetian lagoon. This relocation was decided for safety reasons, to prevent devastating fires in the city.
This island, just 2 km from the Doge's City, has over time become the Mecca of Venetian glass. It's here that master glassmakers perfected their art, creating colorful glasses, chandeliers and vases, as well as glass beads of unparalleled beauty and complexity.

Glassmaking on the island of Murano was quickly recognized and appreciated throughout Europe. So much so, in fact, that it was forbidden to ship the raw materials required for its manufacture, as well as to export raw or broken glass. In the 18th century, Murano glass reached its apogee. Venetian glassmaking formulas were invaluable, and treachery was rife.

Use these Murano beads to make original necklaces, bracelets and earrings. If you're in need of creative ideas, get inspired by our DIY jewelry tutorials!