smittysmith2

I'm interested in purchasing a chandelier on an upcoming trip to Venice. I don't care to see the glass-blowing demonstration. I want the following: 1) Design 2) Quality 3) Price. I have been to Murano a few times. It's nice. Can I get a better price out there? I'd rather stay in Venice. I leave on 15 November. Also, I would appreciate any suggestions on selecting the chandelier.

aps

Dukey1

Some of the manufacturers have showrooms in Venice. On our trip this past July we purchased a mirror which was shipped to us. We bought it in the in-town showroom. If you go that route be mindful of duty rates.

smittysmith2

Please explain duty rates and how they are different in Venice vs buying on the island. Thanks for your advice!

StCirq

I doubt the duty rates differ no matter where you buy, but there's probably an explanation on the Italian Consulate or Embassy website.

Years ago, we purchased a chandelier in Murano and had it shipped to our then home in the USA. It arrived with several pieces broken and it took literally years to take care of that. Never again.

WoinParis

What is a chandelier ? The meaning in French is the piece that holds a candle. Usually found in churches nowadays and in gold.
Anyway you'll have more choice in Venice and final price will depend on your negociation skills.

Dukey1

The "duty rate" I spoke of refer those Customs import duties which may be charged.

If I have incorrectly assumed you are from the USA then <B>my apologies</B> but those are the ones I am most familiar with.

In our case the mirror was paid for and that included shipping to our home here in southeast Florida.

The Murano manufacturer used DHL air for shipping and once the item arrived it was held by the Customs Service until we paid the import duty on it which we did with a credit card.

Once released it was delivered in a wooden crate to our front door.

St. Cirq brings up a VERY valid point regarding possible damages on anything like this you have shipped and that concern is something I think you need to strongly consider.

We have been fortunate over the years in having other Venetian glass items as well as much more delicate glass items from Prague shipped to us without any damages.

However, what I would consider is checking prices in your home country before you buy anything. If that "thing" is unique it can be hard to resist, I agree.

Christina

A chandelier is a lustre in French. Versailles has a few of them, for example.

http://www.france-luminaires.com/50-lustre-cristal

Dukey1

Woinparis, what a chandelier is is NOT the issue here.

ekscrunchy

I'd take a look at vintage Murano on websites including 1st dibs, Ebay, Chairish, and all the usual suspects. I doubt if you are goingn to get a bargain by trekking out to Murano as opposed to buying in Venice itself. With all the added costs of shipping and taxes, in addition to the possibility of breakage, you might be better off getting one in your home country, second hand.

WoinParis

'Woinparis, what a chandelier is is NOT the issue here.'

Well Dukey :
1. I've learnt something
2. I've demonstrated that English are fools who use a word dor another meaning (ehehe)
3. my advice is still valid : more choice on Murano than In Venice. Strangely enough I was expecting that a 'chandelier' was made of glass...

I think the question of OP is : is it better to go to Murano and buy there or stay in Venice.

In this regard, I fail to see the impact of duties in such a situation : would the duties be different on Murano than in Venice ?
Please enlighten me, since you seem to be so intelligent as to decide what is relevant and not.

And all the fools sailed away...

traveller1959

Firstly, make sure that there is a shipping insurance.

Secondly, there are many online shops shipping Murano chandeliers all over the world. Just google "Murano chandelier" and you will get them. Browse and make yourself familiar with quality and prices. With this preparation, you might visit showrooms in Venice.