jgrace

Can anyone help me as to the best place to buy Murano glass? Is it better to go directly to Murano or are ther places right in Venice where we can get it reasonably? thanks for your help, Fodorites.

mclaurie

There are a lot of threads on this topic. Quick summary, sometimes prices less IN Venice, shop around first. Not all glass sold there actually made in Venice. Here are some good threads to read

about chandeliers
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34515640

prices for murano
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34392798

shipping handblown glass includes Elaine's place in murano
Albarelli & Nielsen, ponte Vivarini 143, 30141 Murano, Venezia. email [email protected]

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1310050

BATUFFOLINA

I agree with Mclaurie: I think that prices are better in Venice than in Murano. A couple of years ago I went to Murano with the idea of buying some lovely glass ware (a mere picture frame, some trinket, nothing exceptional). In Murano the prices were too high for the frames even ig the glass bead bracelets were fairly inexpensive. However I was at Hotel la Forcola which is on Strada Nuova and I found a lovely shop on Strada Nuova which has a great selection of glassware. Coming from Rialto and going towards la Forcola Hotel the shop is on the left and it has 2 large display windows and inside it is all white. I also found 2 pairs of lovely glass bead earrings to be very inexpensive near Rialto Bridge (on the Ruga degli Orefici street). Check out though that in Murano, near the Faro (lighthouse) there is a part of the islet where there are lots of little shops selling glassware, and where the prices can be lower. Also, check out if they have some discontinued pieces that they can sell at clearance prices. I got one of my frames in Burano (not Murano beware) at a lower price, because it was a discontinued item.

elaine

If you want to buy some 'serious' glassware, a set of glasses, a large vase or decanter or bowl, a glass sculpture, etc, then you can do well I think (at least I have) by visiting a factory showroom on Murano, the one cited above or any of several.

The shops on the main street on Murano, those not connected to factories, are basically the same sort of souvenir shops one finds in Venice proper, and quality (and even place of origin of the glass) varies. For trinkets, jewelry, a small bowl or vase, etc, I don't see the point of going to Murano, you will see MANY shops in Venice most of which sell similar things. That's not a put down, I've bought items myself as souvenirs, and if you like it and it fits the budget, go for it. I agree that the shops on Strada Nuova, between Rialto and the Ghetto, are slightly less-touristed than the San Marco shops, and have in some cases better selections and prices for glass and for masks.

PLMN

I just had a customer yesterday who told me that when she was at the factory recently they had VERY good looking Italian men to sell you stuff. She said the prices were WAY out of sight for what you buy there as compared to other places, even in the US.

I told her yes, but it is sort of neat to be able to say "I bought it in Italy at the factory".

elaine

i've had a different experience, I've found that in the US, department stores and specialty stores (Gump's, for one) have a tremendous markup on Venetian glass, and I've found better values (not necessarily cheap prices) and of course much more selection in Venice/Murano.

Cal

We bargained for a value (beautifuy glass cut mirror) with the Marco Polo Glass Company on Muranao. Our feeling was that the five-star hotel we were staying out would not recommend a factory they were not comfortable with, and we wanted the real thing--an investment. They threw-in a few small crystal characters for our grandchildren...My wife loved the tour and we were able to watch the craftstmen at work...Our price included packing and shipping. However, when it arrived to us in the states, we found a small chip in the etching of the mirror...But to their credit, the Marco Polo Glass Company took the mirror back (at their cost), repaired it, and sent it back in good order.--There were no glitches or unexpected surprises...My only suggestions are: make sure you get a certificate of authenticity is you desire to purchase an item over $500. Bargain the best you can. Be certain you understand all the charges and what will happen if there is a problem with the shipment...

Patrick

I've told this story before, but it deserves repeating. In Murano a friend I was with was very excited about buying an elaborate glass tree with birds -- about 5 feet tall and costing in the range of $12,000 or so. She taked and dealed, we went to lunch. She went back and dealed some more. They were going to ship for free and had lowered the price a LOT. But finally she decided it was just something she didn't "need to spend the money on". Besides I think the other three of us hadn't been overwhelmed with the thing and weren't raving the way she hoped we would. So she didn't buy it. About a month or so later, here in "outrageously expensive" Naples, Florida she walked by one of our very expensive jewelry and gift stores and saw the same thing in the window. She went in. Yes, it was even signed by the same artist and was the same size and number of birds. The price was a couple thousand dollars less than the final price she was offered in Murano.
So the bottom line -- don't think you're necessarily getting a bargain because you are "at the source".

k_999_9

We had a chance to do direct comparisons between the factories at Murano and some shops in Venice. Almost always, the shops in Venice were cheaper.

I consider the factories to be a ripoff and a cheap hustle. Just my opinion.

beachysis

Good question, jgrace! I will be in Venice in a few weeks, and definitely want to buy some Murano glass, but had heard that the trip to the island & factories was a waste (expensive prices).
However, I have also read posts on this site that not all the glass you get in Venice is "authentic" and some has such bad quality that it really isn't a bargain. Can anyone tell us how we can tell where the glass in these shops comes from, and if the quality is excellent, good or bad? I just think the colors are beautiful, and know nothing about substance or structure. I'm thinking of buying Christmas gifts as well as something for myself, so any/all info is appreciated.
Thanks!

Dick

<I consider the factories to be a ripoff and a cheap hustle. Just my opinion.>

While I am sure that applies to SOME factories....it isn't fair to brand ALL factories as a ripoff.

Beachysis,

We bought a large bowl in Venice and asked the shopkeeper which factory it came from in Venice. I then asked him to arrange for us to visit that factory's showroom.

When we went to Murano, we were invited to an upstairs showroom of special pieces. The showroom was opened specifically for us..it was great. Many of the pieces were one of a kind.

After buying a haevy vase at a great price....we saw the "tourists" shopping in the factory's regular shop.

beachysis

Thank you, Dick!
You don't happen to remember the name of the shop and/or the factory, so you?

Huitres

I have found good prices on glass pieces I have purchased directly on the island of Murano, I tend to go to the factories further back in and away from the tourists. For example, I only paid 36 euros for a 9-10" tall glass sailboat with a blue and red swirl through the base, the guy even engraved the date in the base for me! In contrast, I found a similar Murano sailboat at a shop here in the U.S. recently "on sale" for $80.

Frankly, you can find Murano glass pieces all over Italy so if you can't get up to Venice, there are places in Rome, Sorrento, etc where they can be purchased. I figure the time saved transporting myself up to Venice is worth the perhaps little extra I will be charged for the piece(s).

Since I collect Murano glass pieces and can't always get back to Venice, I have found a couple US companies and businesses online (Ross-Simons.com, for example) that have several Murano pieces for sale. When they have an additional discount (usually around holidays), one can find a truly good bargain.

clevelandbrown

I would suggest you look around in Venice, then visit Murano and compare. We found Murano a very uncrowded and pleasant place to visit, but we arrived by vaporetto, not by one of the tour groups. We were able to walk into the factories and see them working, and never got pressured. That same day we had visited Burano, which was nice, but very crowded, so Murano was a nice respite. We did end up buying some glasses on Murano, because of their unique design; we had not seen similar glasses in Venice, so I can't really speak as to relative prices.

nanb

Murano and Burano are lovely interesting places to visit just "because"
not only as a place to purchase things.

That said, I bought a present for a sweetie there, because the item
I had been looking for was not to be found in Venice.

But, I have also been to the store Battufolina mentioned and found the sales person there very helpful
(funny, but about an hr ago, something made me think of that store and the woman there )

Dick

beachysis,

All Murano glass is not designed the same. You will find, ornate, formal and contemporary designs.

My advice would be to find a glass shop in Venice that suits your taste. Ask about the piece you are considering buying.....where it was made etc.

Then ask (best to ask the owner) if you buy the piece can they arrange for you to visit the factory where it was made. Then get a business card signed by the owner "inviting" you to the factory.

cheapboxofwine

I bought a Murano glass pendant in the airport in Sardinia. I wear it on a gold chain everyday...wish I would have bought two!

Keith

Nearly 8 years between posts. Is that a new record?

johnnyomalley

Nope, there was one in Air travel from 1999, that was just bumped up.