On Murano, the famous “glass island” of Venice, prices for glass vary according to three main factors:
- The techniques used to execute the piece. You’ll pay more for more threads (the colored bands of glass swirled into a finished piece) and intricate designs.
- The repute of the maker. Some glass houses—especially Barovier & Toso, Moretti, Pauly, Seguso and Venini—command higher prices than others because of the quality of their work and the long tradition behind their names.
- If the piece is designed or signed by a big-name designer. Recently well-known fashion designers have designed pieces for some of the top glass producers, and you will pay a premium for signed pieces.
Finally, if you buy an antique, either on Murano or elsewhere, you must take into account not only all of the above, but also the condition and provenance (the documented history) of the piece. The highest valued Murano glass works may fetch six figures at auction.
Have you discovered the beautiful island of Murano, and did you come home with a treasure? Did you feel that you got a good value? Drop a comment below. I love to hear your stories!
Our first trip to Venice in 2003 we took a “hotel sponsored” trip to a Murano glass factory. We were given the “tourist tour”, no hard sell to buy, and the gentleman was extremely entertaining. The pieces were breathtakingly beautiful. We bought a set of , what we were told, were traditional Prosecco glasses with colored bowls. Also two champagne flutes in clear glass with gold trim. Did we pay too much. Probably. Did we have the time, energy, inclination to go all over Murano and compare prices. Nope. They were shipped home in very quick time, arrived perfectly and we enjoy them tremendously. I don’t know that “bargain” Murano glass exists, unless you stumble upon a piece back in the states in a thrift shop or garage sale. I do believe you get what you pay for. The bracelet and earrings I bought in Las Vegas at the Venetian are stunning and the I have not seen the same quality in the lower priced jewelry in shops in Venice. Buy what you fancy and save your “pennie” when you grocery shop or hit the annual clothing sales. 😉
Hi Bonnie,
It sounds like you came home with some treasures and I’m glad to hear that they arrived intact! Shipping glass can be tricky. Thank you for sharing your great story! –Laura
Laura,
On our honeymoon, my husband and I took a “free” boat ride to Murano…beautiful ride, beautiful boat! We were taken to Vetreria Murano Arte and we had a hard sell experience. To their disappointment and to my happiness, I purchased a bowl for 550 Euros. I love it and it reminds me of our trip and the colors of Venice. I’m wondering if you could tell me if it was worth it or if it is just an expensive souvenir of a beautiful trip? I’m trying to post the picture onto this comment but I’m unable to. Is there some way to send it to you?
Hi Sue, thanks for your message! Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Look forward to seeing your picture! –Laura
We did love Venice and Murano. My wife was delighted to participate in the making of a glass fish and must admit it was quite impressive and an excellent afternoon visiting Murano. We did end up buying a big block of glass with a shrimp crafted inside. Was it expensive? No clue but we love it. The fun part as well was going back home the police scaning the suitcase was always calling us to see what was the object in our luggage.
Would have love to read your mail before traveling but do hope to go back.
Yes, several keepsakes that I treasured. One was a bold and beautiful green glass ring; the other, a necklace, a flattened heart, orange with gold leaf, strung on a double satin thread. Precious.
On our trip to Venice we walked into a small storefront representing a glass maker from Murano. It was far enough off St. Mark’s we felt a bit more comfortable. We got eight water/wine glasses that were lovely and although we were not well-versed in bargaining in Italy we loved the glasses. The $40 US for each seemed a bit high, but knew that every time we used them we would think of Venice, and we do. They are always on the table for holiday meals with the family.
In 1982, my boyfriend at the time’s younger brother graduated high school and went on an European tour with other students. He purchased a red and gold decanter set with 6 glasses for his mother. I always admired the set. In 2019, his mom passed away. When he was going through his mom’s stuff he called me up to see if I wanted it. I said yes and now I have something to remember her by. This past May my husband and I were in Venice and we purchased our own Murano glass. Of course, it was red and gold.
Hello readers and Laura Moretti – have visited Venice and surrounding Islands by vaporetti (like bus transportation, water taxis) many times since 2008. Have seen the glass blowing demonstration several times, and fun. There is also Burano, Island of lacemaking, Torcello. Have yet to stop at the island where the cemetery is located. Have read all of Donna Leon’s series with Inspector Brunetti and saw the author several times on the vaporetto as she returned from teaching at one of the Universities. I read her books with a wonderful map (Artwise Venice) in hand, so I could follow where her main character traveled throughout the Island and vicinity. I learned much about Venice and Italian family life.
What did I buy at Moreno: ants…black ones an red ones. Easy to pack; I always travel with cotton. I give them for gifts as repayment to those that are oat home feeding animals, picking up mail. The present of glass ants generally end up in a kitchen! They are very cute,🐜🐜🐜 Susan