In order to prevent harmful factory fires from affecting Venice, the mayor of Venice ordered all glass factories to move to the island of Murano.The reputation for beauty and color has been developed by Murano glass.Murano glass is first identified by its location, then its factories, and finally its designers.A certificate of authenticity, a master glass maker signature or a Murano glass catalog can be used to identify these sources.
Step 1: You should look for a sticker or stamp.
It is not likely that it is made in Venice or in Italy.Outside glass makers try to convince tourists that the item is made in Murano without stating it is.It is possible that an item is a fake.Many items are made in China and sold in Venice.If the item says "Murano-style" it is not likely to be authentic glass.
Step 2: Ask the seller if the glass is new or old.
A certificate from the factory is required for new glass from Murano.It should be with the piece of glass in all sales.The only way to know if a glass is new is if it has a certificate.
Step 3: Extra care should be taken with paperweights and aquariums.
These are the most common counterfeit items and are made in other countries.The next step is to identify whether or not it is Murano glass.
Step 4: Don't count on being able to identify a piece of glass by color.
Only a trained eye and glass expert can do this.
Step 5: You shouldn't try to identify the glass on the internet.
It is better to identify an item through a signature of a master glass-maker, a catalog or an authenticity certificate.
Step 6: There is a signature on the glass.
The master glass makers from Murano are Ercole Barovier, Archimede Seguso, Aureliano Toso, Galliano Ferro, Vincenzo Nason, and Carlo Moretti.Over the years, there have been many master glass makers at the Murano glass factories.It is likely that a counterfeiter is trying to sell a fake piece as a designer original, if the signature looks as though it has been scratched into the surface after it hardened.You will need to use the next method to find out if the signature is in the correct place.You can find out about signature and label placement in catalogs.
Step 7: It is possible to find evidence of gold or silver in the production of the glass.
Step 8: Look for evidence of a hand-made piece.
There should be bubbles and asymmetrical qualities in Murano glass.
Step 9: There are fish that are clouded glass or bleeding colors.
These mistakes are rarely made because hand-blown glass is not completely uniform.
Step 10: TheMurano Glass Glossary can be found at fossilfly.
It's a good primer for the techniques and styles of glass.When you are looking at factory catalogs, you may want to refer back to it.
Step 11: You can request a catalog from the factory.
The current offerings of the factories may also include their vintage glass.If you want to request a catalog, you need to look on 20thcenturyglass.com to find popular Murano glass factories.
Step 12: A glass expert will help you identify the glass.
You should show the local glass antique expert all the information you have if the authenticity is still questionable.Even though experts are not perfect, they will have an easier time identifying it than anyone else.Posts pictures and information on an antique glass forum if you can't find an expert.You may be able to find more creative ways to identify the glass.The cross-hatched pattern on bases is a good indicator that a piece is genuine, and the pinch pliers artists use often have their own identifiable patterns.Even a small vase can cost hundreds of pounds, so if a piece of Murano sounds too cheap to buy, it's more than likely to be fake.