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Frequently Asked Questions.
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- What is the difference between Venetian Glass and Murano
Glass? The glass was originally produced in Venice, but in
1293, due to fires or to the need to keep the secrets of making
glass, the Doges of Venice decreed that all furnaces be moved
to Murano, an island about 1 mile from Venice. In those days,
that one mile was a significant distance and the glass industry
thrived there sheltered until today. So the glass is actually
produced on the islands of Murano.
- Why are their bubbles in Venetian Glass? The glass begins
the night before it is blown. The masters pour sand, arsenic,
gold, minerals of all kinds into the large vats and turn up the
heat. After a few hours, the bubbling caldron begins to turn into
a heavy slurry. The heat is turned down and with time the bubbles
begin to dissipate. The next day the glass master arrives and
begins working. The dipping of the puntie or blowpipe into the
kiln introduces bubbles into the pieces. Bubbles are a natural
part of the Murano Glass. I have studied closely some of the more
famous glassmasters, Signoretto, Rosin, Nason and in all their
pieces there are some small bubbles. Naturally, we strive to have
pieces with minimal bubbles, working by hand, it's impossible.
- How do I care for my Murano Glass? A little soap and
water will make it sparkle.
- Does Venetian Glass have any lead in it? Venetian Glass
is soda ash glass and has no lead in it at all. Leaded glass was
an invention of the English because it made the glass easier to
cut and produced more "sparkle".
- Does the glass come with a guarantee? We provide you
with our Venetian Glass Art story card with our Murano Glass guarantee.
- Are your pieces signed? Some of our larger pieces are
signed by the furnace. Most of the glass is "production"
glass, meaning that there are multiple glass masters in the furnace
working.
- Do you special Order? We can do special orders, however,
we require a 50% non refundable deposit as once the work is commissioned,
we are obligated to complete the contract.
- How fragile is the glass? It's glass and like all glass
can be broken. The figurine pieces are heavy and less likely to
break, the beaded jewelry is quite durable (think of marbles),
while the wine glasses are obviously made for beauty and are very
thin.
- What makes Venetian Glass so treasured? It's not just
the glass, it is the magic of the islands, of a city on water,
the stories of centuries of families. It's the allure of a special
place and the creative minds of the glass masters. They are often
copied, but their style and design is unique in the world.
- Can I visit a glass factory? Yes, there are many tourist
exhibits of blowing glass on the islands of Murano and even one
exhibit furnace near San Marco. You can see them make a horse,
it seems so easy you'll want to try it. Afterwards you will be
guided to the gift shop where you can purchase your own glassware.
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