True Murano glass products are produced in Murano, Italy. This is a small island near Venice. While many replicas exist, buyers who want the exquisite quality and well-crafted features of real Murano glass will need to take some precautions to make sure they’re getting the real thing. Real imported Murano glass jewelry is more than just a lovely adornment, it is a true collectible. Avid collectors of Murano glass will develop an eye for the subtleties of the product that can distinguish a cheap reproduction from a high quality, authentic piece. Buying online, however, you cannot always see the item close enough to make the distinction.
If you’re looking for quality imported Murano glass pieces, the first thing you should become familiar with is the terminology of such products. Missing a small word such as “style” can make all the difference in finding an authentic piece. “Murano style” glass jewelry is not the same thing as Murano glass jewelry, though the seller may count on purchasers who simply don’t know the difference and still believe the item is coming from Italy. Even the word imported can be misleading. Most Murano glass knock offs are indeed imported, though they come from countries like Brazil or Asia instead of Italy.
If you are interested in buying Murano glass from a specific company, take the time to learn everything you can about the products that they make. Many will provide a distinguishing mark that is difficult to replicate. This mark will help you identify the real thing rather than a good replica. If you are purchasing from a previous owner, ask for a certificate of authenticity for the piece. When possible, purchase previously owned pieces of Murano glass jewelry from a gallery or very reputable dealer. The more money you plan to invest in the imported item, the more vigilant you should be about verifying its authenticity.
If you’re shopping for less expensive imported Murano glass jewelry, the above options may not apply to you. In this case, it’s best to look for a reputable shopping site. Find a source that specializes in Murano glass only or at least primarily. A strange hodge-podge of items is the sign of a store that isn’t experienced or qualified in any of its products. You can look for review sites or forums to help you narrow down your choices. Look for good customer reviews of purchased items. You should also have access to a very secure method of payment and a reasonable return policy.