Q&A for How to Identify Murano Glass

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  • Question
    Is Murano glass always colored all the way through?
    Community Answer
    Murano Glass may have any number of colors of any depth throughout the piece, or a Murano Glass piece may be completely transparent. Coloring alone does not provide any indication of the origin of a Murano Glass piece.
  • Question
    I got a folded Murano piece at a second-hand store. There are three lines on the bottom that say 'Yalas', then 'Casa' and, lastly, 'Murano'. How old is it, and is it worth anything?
    Community Answer
    Because it has the print, it could have been made anytime from the mid-to-late 1800s up to the 90s. Yalas Casa Murano makes beautiful pieces, and if you go to Italy, real murano gass can be worth thousands of dollars. The value really depends on the piece's legitimacy, condition, and size.
  • Question
    Do all Murano pieces have the artist's signature on them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, unless it is an original sketch in which the painter never thought of publishing, such as a doodle, in which case there would be no proof. To find a signature, look at the bottom-right or -left corner.
  • Question
    Could a Murano vase have seams?
    Community Answer
    Murano glass is hand-blown, so it should not have seams. Pressed glass has seams, as it is molded, not blown.
  • Question
    Is Murano glass microwavable and dishwasher safe?
    Community Answer
    Do NOT put your Murano glass in the microwave or in the dishwasher! It will break and that'll be it.
  • Question
    Can my Murano glass not have any signatures or stickers and be real?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible that authentic Murano glass piece does not have any signatures or stickers. There is no law in Italy that dictates how authentic Murano glass should be marked or stamped. Therefore, it is up to every master and workshop or factory how they would like to mark or sign their pieces, if at all. Typically, smaller inexpensive Murano glass pieces are rarely signed or have stickers, while larger art glass vases, sculptures, or tableware would be marked or signed in some way.
  • Question
    How small are the markings on Murano glass?
    Community Answer
    The markings on Murano glass may be of any reasonable size, or they may not be present at all. It is up to every master, workshop, or factory to determine how they would like to identify and mark their Murano glass. Many choose not to have any markings at all, others decide to have an etched stamp on the bottom, still others may sign anywhere on the piece or attach a small sticker, usually no more than 1 1/2 inches in size.
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