Murano glass stands for beauty, quality craftsmanship, and tradition.
From as early as 1200's Murano glassmakers operated their furnaces to create beautiful objects from such trivial substances as sand, sodium, and certain basic minerals.
The foundations of the craft came down to Venetians from ancient Romans that knew how to heat up silica (or fine sand) till it starts to melt, add minerals for colors, and shape the hot glass mass into intricate forms.
But certainly not everyone who knew the theory of this process could create high quality glass objects.
In fact, glassmakers studied for years learning often from their fathers and older masters to be able to mix the ingredients just right at a time when the laws of chemistry were not even formulated, time the process well, work skillfully with primitive instruments, and create precise shapes that were beautiful and desirable but useful as well.
The objects created by Murano glass masters in the early years of the craft were mostly utilitarian yet very expensive and affordable only to successful merchants and nobility.
Along with fine tableware and mirrors, one of the most demanded products was an oil lamp.
People understood very early that surrounding a source of light with glass allows the light to disperse in the optimal manner and creates a wonderful warm ambiance while allowing for the most effective use of light.
Based on the early success of Murano glass oil lamps, the artisans eventually graduated to a Murano glass chandelier.
Lovers of luxury and exquisite surroundings, rich Venetians could not underestimate the value of a glass chandelier.
Far from being just a good way of lighting up the room, a beautiful Venetian chandelier gave a focal point to every room, and was a unique attraction that was revered by anyone who entered the house - family, friends, business partners, and customers alike.
Chandeliers started to proudly sparkle in every window of every Venetian palazzo, church, and public place, and every night the reflections of light from the glass echoed star light reflected off the water of the famous canals giving the city its magical and unique appearance.
For centuries to come, even as fashions changed and foreign craftsmen learned how to create good quality glass, Murano chandelier remained the most desired and prestigious type of chandelier around the world.
Thus, it is no surprise that even today, when every type of material, color, and style is available, traditional and gorgeous Venetian chandeliers still decorate the most prestigious hotels, restaurants, theaters, and homes.
When there is such abundance of products for every budget and taste on the market, people that want to stand out look for something artistic and one-of-a-kind.
Thus, people buy Murano chandeliers not only because of their opulent hand-made beauty, but also because of the rich history that surrounds them and the special ambiance that such chandelier creates, evoking magical images of Venetian palazzos, canals, and gondolas.
While authentic Venetian chandeliers are certainly not cheap, there are options for every style and budget.
From elegant beautiful sconces to grand 20-lamp chandeliers, from traditional classic floral shapes to modernistic and even futuristic designs, Murano offers an amazing variety of chandelier options.
And if you don't have a trip to Murano in your plans any time soon, you have a great option of buying your chandelier online from a reputable local seller who imports these chandeliers directly from Venice.
Whichever option you choose, you will be glad that you bought such a treasured object of art that you can admire daily, and the many compliments you will get from your guests will make you even happier.