Authentic Murano Glass vs. Murano Style: What are the differences?

"Is it real Murano?" This is one of the most frequent questions asked when purchasing a chandelier or wall light made of blown glass with shimmering colors. The answer needs to be clear: there is a real difference between authentic Murano glass and "Murano style" pieces, and both have their place depending on your budget and expectations.

What is authentic Murano glass?

Murano is an island in the Venetian lagoon where master glassmakers have been working with blown glass since the 13th century. Since 1291, the Republic of Venice had even forced glass furnaces to relocate there, for fear of fires in the city. The know-how has been passed down from generation to generation, and part of the current production is protected by the collective brand "Vetro Artistico® Murano", which guarantees that a piece has been entirely blown and worked on the island, by artisans based there.

What is a "Murano style" chandelier?

The expression "Murano style" refers to blown glass light fixtures that adopt the aesthetic codes of the Venetian tradition (organic shapes, petals, discs, amber or iridescent hues) without being manufactured on the island of Murano itself. The hand-blown glass technique is indeed real, but the geographical origin and the certification mark are not the same.

How to recognize authentic Murano glass?

A few simple benchmarks can help you find your way:

• The presence of the "Vetro Artistico® Murano" label or certificate, issued only to workshops located on the island.
• A generally high price: an authentic piece, handcrafted by a recognized master glassmaker, most often costs several thousand euros.
• Documented provenance, with an invoice mentioning the workshop or manufacturer of origin in Murano.
• The absence of the mention "Murano style" or "Murano inspired" in the product description.

"Murano style": an accessible and assumed alternative

Not all pieces claim to be authentic, and that's perfectly fine as long as it's clearly stated. A "Murano style" chandelier adopts the aesthetic and often the technique of blown glass, at a much more accessible price, generally between €90 and €2500 depending on the size and complexity of the piece. It's an honest option for those looking for Venetian style without the budget of a collector's item.

At Fiato di Vetro: our positioning

We systematically specify this in our terms and conditions of sale: unless explicitly stated otherwise, our chandeliers and wall lights are made in a style inspired by Murano glass art and are not authentic pieces manufactured in Murano. We prefer this transparency to any ambiguity regarding the origin of our products.

Which one to choose?

If you are looking for a collector's item, with certified provenance and a heritage investment, turn to a workshop located in Murano and check the Vetro Artistico® certification. If you want to bring the elegance of Venetian blown glass into your home without dedicating a four-figure budget to a single light fixture, a quality "Murano style" chandelier is a perfectly legitimate alternative.

Discover our selection in our collection of blown glass chandeliers and our wall lights.