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Battle of the Giants: Murano Glass vs. Bohemian Glass

Today, glass is created in many countries of the world, and many countries are developing reputation for outstanding glass art. But, for many centuries, there were two places that were producing great glass art – Murano in Italy, and several places in Bohemia, what is today Czech Republic.

 

Murano glass

Small Italian island Murano, in the Venetian lagoon, was the center of the world glass production from the 14th century. Famous for their blown glass of exquisite shapes and forms, Murano glass artists developed many new techniques that are used even today, such as crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), to mention just a few.

 

Murano glass was also famous for its colors. The ways to color glass was by using different coloring agents and chemicals. A coloring agent was ground, mixed and then melted with the glass. Many of these coloring agents are still used today.

 

For many centuries, Murano was the center of a lucrative export trade in dinnerware, chandeliers and mirrors. The techniques Venetian glass makers used were kept in great secrecy, so Murano managed to retain the monopoly in glass making for centuries. What made Murano glass so different in composition from all others was that the local quartz pebbles were almost pure silica, ground into very fine sand. Combined with soda ash from the Levant, Murano glass makers were able to produce glass of exceptional quality. It helped that they held a monopoly for the soda ash import.

 

Bohemian glass

What makes Bohemian glass or bohemian crystal so different from Murano glass is that it is decorated by grinding, the technique called cold-worked glass. This technique was used in Bohemia (today Czech Republic) and Silesia (today Poland) since the 13th century.  Many of the best Bohemian glass makes were originally trained in Venice, which was already the world center for the glass making.

 

Bohemian glass owes its original popularity to the gem faceting fashion that swept Europe in the 14th century.  Glass was faceted to imitate real gems in response to the demand for affordable, but nice looking jewelry. This created a large cottage industry for making beads, which are even today the main glass products coming from this region. The technique for making Bohemian glass beads involved pressing melted glass into a mold, allowing the production of thousands of identical copies. The glass beads were then coated by gold or bronze metal finishes.

 

Competition between Bohemian and Murano glass makers had always been fierce, in spite the fact that  they produced very different glass art objects, using very different techniques.   Murano was always famous for its unique glass making techniques, for blown glass and for glass objects made by hand, even when it came to glass beads.

 

The Bohemian glass was cold-worked crystal glass decorated by grinding, and the beads were and are still, made by a machine. This division is extended to the contemporary glass lovers who are also clearly divided to those who prefer one kind of glass over other, particularly when it comes to glass beads. Fortunately for both Murano glass and Czech glass bead makers, there are enough of fans of both kinds, to allow thriving beads industry, and thriving beads making hobby all over the world.

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Murano glass pendants

2 pcs Red Frogs Murano Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Charms Pendants 25mm CR693 $0.99

G4073 Lady’s shiny Green Lampwork Murano Glass Flower Turtle Pendant Necklace $1.89

Perfect Cutsurface Murano Art Glass Pendant p0439 $1.04

Heart Murano Art Glass Beads Pendant Necklace p462 $0.99

abstract Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace p578 $0.99

new style handmade lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p678 $0.99

1pc Murano Lampwork Glass Ring size #8 Band r178 $0.99

Murano Flower leaf art lampwork glass pendant necklace p350 $0.99

Christmas Gift Murano glass Charms Bracelet s-476 $0.01

Starfish Aqua Flower Lampwork Glass Murano Bead Pendant Ribbon Necklace Cord $0.99

Murano Flower leaf art lampwork glass necklace p0347 $0.99

PERU ART PURPLE MURANO GLASS & ALPACA SILVER HUMMING BIRD WINGS NECKLACE 18g $7.83

Vortex Art Glass Lampwork Murano Earrings er164 $0.99

PUGSTER® GREEN RED LADYBUG MURANO GLASS EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS FOR BRACELET V02 $0.99

Lot 30pcs Murano lampwork glass pendant/necklace 65mm $28.99

Baby Blue Lifelike Swan Flower Art Murano lampwork Glass Pendant&Necklace Bead $2.60

2 pcs Frogs Murano Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Charms Pendants 26mm CR685 $2.01

TOPDOMUS genuine Murano glass chandelier 301151/6+6 total 24K gold version $3,350.00

Gold Red White Heart Lampwork Glass Murano Bead Pendant Ribbon Necklace $0.99

Starfish flower Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace p531 $0.99

1pc black Flower Starfish Lampwork Murano glass Pendant Necklace p0291 $1.81

5 lampwork murano glass Beads Fit charm Bracelet b070 $0.99

5pcs Handmade Murano Lampwork Glass Beads Fit European Charm Bracelet G15 $0.99

Abstract Vortex Murano Art Glass Pendant Necklace p0453 $0.99

5pcs Clear Blue Murano Lampwork Glass Beads Fit European Charm Bracelet TF134 $3.75

1pc handwork transparent heart Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace p701 $0.99

Lot 24 handmade murano lampwork glass starfish pendant $24.99

Flower Starfish Lampwork Murano Pendant Necklace p0288 $0.99

Lovely Blue Love Murano Glass Beads fit European Charm Bracelet b163 $0.99

10PCS 925 STERLING SILVER GORGEOUS FLOWER MURANO GLASS LAMPWORK BEADS CHARMS M7 $1.55

Flower Round Murano Art Glass Beads Pendant Necklace p397 $0.99

Lovelinks 1182558-99 D Pink/Gold Murano Glass Bead $19.70

Christmas Gift Murano glass Charm Bracelet S-486 $0.01

lampwork murano art glass crystal earring er143 $0.99

Lots 24pcs handmade murano lampwork glass acryl pendant $24.99

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2352 $4.40

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2342 $4.40

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2330 Y $4.40

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 1823 Y $4.90

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 840 Y $4.90

heart lucency streak line Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace p620 $0.99

5 x European Style Murano Glass Beads Fit Charm Bracelet G42 $0.99

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 1605 A $4.90

Sterling Silver sigle core Murano Glass bead European Fit Bracelet charm S6A04 $0.99

Flower Round Murano Art Glass Beads Pendant Necklace p399 $0.99

10PCS 925 STERLING SILVER MULTI- FLOWER MURANO GLASS LAMPWORK BEADS CHARMS B34 $1.55

Heart Abstractly Vortex Murano Art Glass Pendant Necklace p434 $0.99

Lots 24pcs handmade murano lampwork glass acryl pendant $24.99

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2051 $4.90

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 1923 $4.90

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2279 Q $4.90

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2271 A $4.90

1PC Spot Dog Blue Murano Lampwork Glass Bead Handmade Focal Pendant $2.69

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 2280 B $4.40

1pc green heart Murano Flower art lampwork glass pendant necklace p0337 $1.11

Flower Round Murano Art Glass Beads Pendant Necklace p400 $0.99

5pcs Lampwork murano glass Bead Fit charm Bracelet b012 $0.99

1 Fashion Murano Lampwork Art Glass heart Beaded Earring dangle er369 $1.34

MURANO GLASS BEAD AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER FIT EUROPEAN CHARM BEADS 1422 $5.90

Perfect Cutsurface Murano Art Glass Earring er170 $0.99

5pcs Freeship Fashion Jewelry Murano glass beads Fit European Charm kn185 $0.16

1PC Spot Dog Purple Murano Lampwork Glass Bead Handmade Focal Pendant $2.69

flower lampwork murano art glass earring er132 $0.99

Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99

Lovelinks Pink Gold Foil Murano Glass Designer Bead Charm Fashion Jewelry TM178 $33.72

Spiral lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p595 $0.99

5pcs Murano Glass Lampwork Beads fit European bracelet CT21 $0.99

10PCS lots Murano Handmade Glass Beads Fit Bracelet European DIY fashion jewelry $1.25

1Pc Blue Lifelike Swan Flower Art Murano lampwork Glass Pendant&Necklace Bead $2.60

Lot 24pcs Murano lampwork glass handmade Heart pendant $24.99

1x Sterling Silver Murano white glass bead fit European Charm Bracelet $0.01

1pc European style murano glass charms bracelet S-A13 $0.99

1pc nice handwork Murano Lampwork Glass ring size #8 r320 $0.99

Christmas Gift Murano glass Charms Bracelet S-486 $0.01

Starfish flower Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace p524 $0.65

Bicolor Fireworks Murano Glass Pendant Necklace p0430 $0.99

Heart Abstractly Vortex Murano Art Glass Pendant Necklace p431 $0.99

4pc mixed murano glass beads European charm bracelet 15 $0.99

new style handmade flower lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p646 $0.99

Lovely Murano Glass Beads fit European Charm Bracelet b162 $1.58

Green Flower Frog Glass Murano Pendant Necklace #39 $0.99

Twist Gold Blue Lampwork Murano Glass Bead Pendant Necklace Earrings Set $0.99

5pcs Murano Glass Lampwork Beads fit European bracelet em503 $0.99

Murano Lampwork Glass Pendant Necklace Cord p0240 $0.99

1pc Murano Lampwork Glass Ring size #8 Band r055 $0.99

MURANO LIGHT GREEN, GOLD, SILVER, ENCASED. $22.00

new handmade heart lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p673 $0.99

Abstract Vortex Murano Art Glass Pendant Necklace p0407 $0.99

6pcs resplendent lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p651-656 $8.99

6pcs mixed flower lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p645-650 $8.99

PUGSTER BLACK WHITE FLOWER MURANO GLASS CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET M16 $0.99

Free shipping 6 flowerlampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p639-644 $8.99

6pcs vivid owl lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p657-662 $8.99

Cutsurface Murano Art Glass Pendant Necklace p0438 $0.99

lampwork murano art glass crystal earring er143 $1.04

5pcs Lampwork murano glass Bead Fit charm Bracelet b020 $0.99

Starfish Brown Flower Lampwork Glass Murano Bead Pendant Ribbon Necklace Cord $0.99

6pcs handmade heart lampwork Murano art glass beaded pendant necklace p663-665 $8.99

5 lampwork Murano glass beads for European beaded charms bracelet b215 $0.99

5pcs Handmade Pink Murano Glass Beads Fit European Charm Bracelet G11 $0.99

Spectrum Murano Spirit Stained Glass $15.25 Add this colorful, dramatic pattern to your fused glass art. Use multi-color mixes to create fused cabochons, vases, plates and panels that will demand attention. 96 COE. Spirit Murano glass is a combination of crystal clear, ivory and black. For UPS shipping 24 x 24 glass is cut to two 12 x 24 pieces. Images below courtesy of Spectrum Glass. For another creative project idea, click on View User Manual to download the free project guide.

Spectrum Stripes Murano – 96 Coe $24.95 Each piece features 3 mixed colors in elegant linear striation that coordinate perfectly with Spectrum Spirit Glass. The package contains 1 square foot of glass, cut in sizes of 2x 8 and/or 2x 4. Crystal Clear/Ivory/Black. Project below was created using Spectrum Stripes Glass. Artist Jim Gregory. Image courtesy of Spectrum Glass.

Murano Glass Bracelet $20 Murano style glass bead stretch bracelet.

1/4 Sheet Candy Apple Red On Murano Spirit – 96 Coe $47.95 Dichroic Spirit Specially developed by Delphi and 39;s fusing experts. System 96 Spirit dichroic is a truly breathtaking glass. Spirit Dichroic glass produces an amazing, unique pattern of reflected and transmitted color. Treat yourself to this incredible dichroic glass. Spirit Murano glass is a combination of crystal clear, ivory and black. Quarter sheet about 8 x 8 (see image below). 96 COE. Blue dish below created by Delphi artist Melanie Churchill with Dichroic Spirit 9SVAPT and mold 128900. Tray created by artist Jaime Dobson with Dichroic Spirit 9SMCA and mold 4213. Weaved tray created by Melanie Churchill with assorted Dichroic Spirit and mold 128900.

4 X 4 Candy Apple Red On Murano Spirit – 96 Coe $16.95 Dichroic Spirit Specially developed by Delphi and 39;s fusing experts. System 96 Spirit dichroic is a truly breathtaking glass. Spirit Dichroic glass produces an amazing, unique pattern of reflected and transmitted color. Treat yourself to this incredible dichroic glass. Spirit Murano glass is a combination of crystal clear, ivory and black. 96 COE. Blue dish below created by Delphi artist Melanie Churchill with Dichroic Spirit 9SVAPT and mold 128900. Tray created by artist Jaime Dobson with Dichroic Spirit 9SMCA and mold 4213. Weaved tray created by Melanie Churchill with assorted Dichroic Spirit and mold 128900.

Pugster Blue Dots Murano Glass Murano Glass $16.49 Ride the latest wave of European bead fashion jewelry with an exquisite Pugster blue dots Murano Glass Murano Glass European Bead for your lampwork Murano glass beads bracelet. Fashioned of circle and decorated with blue dots Murano Glass, this bead is a great addition to your European bead bracelet or necklace. Each bead is made by craftsmen working in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Create a traditional European beaded bracelet with many lampwork Murano glass beads, or hang just one or two from a special lampwork Murano glass bead bracelet chain. Either way, your European beads bracelet will be a treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, blue dots Murano Glass Murano Glass European Beads are available for both wholesale and retail purchase.

Murano Glass Heart Pendant $20 Murano glass heart pendant. Unique 1″ x 1″ heart on 18″ chain.

Donato Blue Murano Glass Complete Set $585 Donato Blue Murano Glass Complete Set

Zable(tm) Sterling Silver Murano-Orange Murano Glass Bead / Charm $29.99 Zable(tm) Sterling Silver Murano-Orange Murano Glass Bead / Charm crafted in 925 Sterling Silver Zable(tm) beads are guaranteed compatible with all popular brands of bead bracelets Made in Murano Italy

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Fashionable Brand New Ring in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 16.0g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 16.0g

Round Multi Color Murano Glass Millefiori Necklace $30 Sterling Silver round multi color Murano glass Millefiori beaded necklace.

Red Murano Glass Millefiori Heart Earrings $20 Sterling Silver Red Murano Glass Millefiori Heart earrings.

Multi Color Murano Glass Millefiori Heart Earrings $20 Sterling Silver Multi Color Murano Glass Millefiori Heart earrings.

Murano Glass Collection Bookmark $4.32 Inspired by the beautiful works of the famousforcenturies glass artisans of Murano Italy our exclusive Murano Glass Collection favors are exceptional tributes to the Italian treasures  And this bookmark is surely a pretty and functional piece of art that your guests will use again and again  Each measures 5 ¼” x 1” and features a teardrop shaped charm in elegant Muranostyle multicolored swirl design in variations of azure and royal blue gold silver light pink and black with a silver metal bookmark attached – cleverly designed to mark the page while keeping the pretty charm always visible on the book’s spine  Each bookmark comes nestled in white satin inside a pearlized ivory two piece box wrapped and tied with a gold organza ribbon and a Murano Glass entitled “For You” tag attached with a gold cord

Murano Glass Collection bottle openers $5.45 Famous for centuries as a sought after product of Murano an island off the coast of Venice Italy each piece of Murano glass is a colorful work of art  That’s the inspiration for these Murano Glass Collection bottle openers and their artistry and elegance are guaranteed  Each shiny silver finish metal bottle opener favor measures 4 ¾  x 1 ½” and has a handy opener on one end opposite a metal tip on the other end with a dramatic Murano glass charm at its center in a  stylized silver pattern with black accents  Sold only by Fashioncraft each bottle opener favor comes nestled in white satin inside a textured ivory two piece box wrapped and tied with an ivory organza ribbon and attached to a “For You” tag that displays the distinctive Murano glass name with a gold cord

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy High Quality Brand New Ring Made in 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Fashionable Brand New Ring Made in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Fashionable Brand New Ring Made in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g Size 5 $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Attractive Brand New Ring Made in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Attractive Brand New Ring Made in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g Size 7 $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy High Quality Brand New Ring Made of 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.0g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.0g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Pleasant Brand New Ring Well Made in 24K Purple Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Purple Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Pleasant Brand New Ring Well Made in 24K Purple Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g Size 5 $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Purple Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Pleasant Brand New Ring Beautifully Crafted in 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Nice Brand New Ring Crafted in 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 12.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Nice Brand New Ring Crafted in 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.0g Size 7 $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 12.5g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Fashionable Brand New Ring in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 16.0g Size 7 $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 16.0g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy High Quality Brand New Ring Made in 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Two tone Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.0g

MURANO GLASS Made in Italy High Quality Brand New Ring Beautifully Crafted in 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 9.5g $239 MURANO GLASS Made in Italy Brand New Ring 24K Multicolor Murano Glass. Total item weight 10.5g

Pugster Red And White Rounds Murano Glass $16.49 Ride the latest wave of European bead fashion jewelry with an exquisite Pugster red and white rounds murano glass Murano Glass European Bead for your lampwork Murano glass beads bracelet. Fashioned of circle and decorated with red and white rounds murano glass, this bead is a great addition to your European bead bracelet or necklace. Each bead is made by craftsmen working in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Create a traditional European beaded bracelet with many lampwork Murano glass beads, or hang just one or two from a special lampwork Murano glass bead bracelet chain. Either way, your European beads bracelet will be a treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, red and white rounds murano glass Murano Glass European Beads are available for both wholesale and retail purchase.