Expected costs for Murano glass

Three years ago, I was in a Murano glass store and saw a beautiful green glass goblet. I thought I read the price as 35 euros. Turns out it was 350 euros. Needless to say I didn't buy it. Your description "distinctive but small" could mean anything from 50 euros to thousands. For a genuine Murano piece, you might get a slightly better price on the island. Definitely do not buy on any of the main tourist thoroughfares.

I bought a small, very portable, glass snake, for 15 to 20 euros, on the island. But "distinctive" sounds distinctly expensive.

You need to ensure that it is real Murano artisan glass, not made in China, if that is what you want. The price difference is huge. And lots of places sell the Chinese made stuff for the tourist trade. Nothing wrong with that if what you want is nice glass. But if you want authentic Murano handmade glass, be prepared to pay.

I bought my murano glass from Atmosfera Veneziana - http://www.atmosferaveneziana.com/site/home_page.html I have gotten to know the very nice owners and their glass are from Murano. Beware of imported glass - not always labeled as such. Their goblets are about 100 euro each; 4-inch christmas ornaments are about 28 euro, for example. I have purchased a few items including my favorite 1960s duck & swan made of excavation glass. Have fun shopping.

Just to confirm other postings - much of what is sold is Chinese, unlabeled or sometimes labeled as Murano or "Venice". Going to a reputable showroom is best. When in Murano a visit to the museum can be worthwhile.

I visited one of my favorite ceramic shops in Stresa and the owner had a few Murano glass pieces. However they warmed me that so much so called Murano glass sold in Venice are fake and beware of low prices on Murano glass pieces. Go to the Murano glass factory and buy some real glass pieces.

We love to go to Murano and do our glass shopping Some of the shops that we went to in Murano last Fall had signs that said "we sell only Murano glass." Something we like to do is to buy Christmas ornaments as a reminder of our trips - bought some in Murano that we were assured were made in Murano. On another trip to Murano I filled an antique glass bowl with various glass fruit from Murano. Just wander and you'll find something that strikes your fancy. Ask lots of question and trust your instincts. Good luck!

Just keep in mind how easy it is to print up a sign that says "We sell only Murano glass."

Ha ha...even simpler, Michael, since most of the signs were handwritten! Obviously we thought of that too, but in the end, the experience was more about the pleasure we derive in the ornaments that we have on our tree that we HOPE are authentic (even the prices were higher than some of the other shops, so that's another thing to consider...but then fakes could be priced higher also couldn't they) than worrying about whether they were made in China or not. I guess to be sure of the authenticity of Murano glass, one can always buy the glass horse or whatever other animal is made during the demonstration at some of these factories. =] Just saying...

On a rainy day on our way to the Guggenheim Museum we found some small pendant lamp shades in a little shop. They cost about $150 (7 years ago). We now have 2 and enjoy them each time we turn on the kitchen lights. For us this is something out of the ordinary and it fits the bill for us--a "souvenir" that can be enjoyed every day.

Thanks to all for your cost estimations and "buyer beware" warnings. I will be sure to let you know what "distinctive "piece(s) we got on our return. 8-)