Murano is a series of islands that are separated by bridges around the city of Venice in Italy. While only a small groups of islands with a modern day population of only 5,000 people, this part of the world has had a big impact on glass making and chandelier construction. While Murano chandeliers (italian-lighting-center.com) originally referred to specific chandeliers that were made in the region of Murano, they are now an entire category of chandeliers that are made throughout the world. Murano chandeliers are tied up with this regions history of glass construction, and ornate glass work is the most important and recognisable feature of a Murano chandelier.

Murano Glass Production

Murano's history of glassmaking began way back in 1291, when the Venetian Republic ordered that all of its glassmakers move their foundries to Murano. By the time of the 14th century, glass makers were held in such a high position within society that they were allowed to wear swords and had immunity from prosecution. For centuries, the region of Murano had an absolute monopoly on quality glassmaking, some of which found its way into chandeliers and other lighting fixtures. Crystalline glass, enameled glass, gold thread glass, and multicoloured glass were all used in the construction of chandeliers, and these ornate glass lights took the name of the Murano region. 

While the art of glassmaking still exists in Murano and Venice today, many of the styles and techniques of Murano chandeliers have been copied around the world. While high quality designer chandeliers made in Murano and Venice are still sold, other regions and nations also manufacture chandeliers using the same glass designs and techniques of the old Murano masters. While the name Murano remains very well known among quality glass and chandelier lovers around the world, Murano chandeliers are also often referred to as Venetian chandeliers.