Does anyone have suggestions on where to buy Venetian/Murano glass jewelry? I have found some stores on the Rialto bridge in the past, but was wondering if anyone had any favorite stores with a variety in selection. I did not care for the options on Murano island itself. Also, looking for a nice Venetian mask shop. Any suggestions there either? Much thanks!
I found several glass jewelry shops on Burano (the lace island). Names of shops were on the gift boxes I gave away, but there are enough of them to provide a good selection of artisan pieces (better in my opinion than the selection on Murano or in Venice proper).
This is the Murano glass shop I buy from whenever I am in Venice. I have gotten to know the owners well and he took me to a couple of fornaci last year. They only sell Murano glass. The shop is close to San Marco. By the way, he is Venetian (who speaks English) and she is American who has been in Venice for 20+ years. There are a lot more stuff at the store than what the website shows.
I always purchase something from Giorgio Nason, Dorsoduro 167. He makes many of the pieces himself right there in the tiny shop (near the entrance to the Centurion Palace hotel). Lovely works of art that I am happy to own and wear often!
More info on Nason here
For beautiful masks, try Ca'Macana in Dorsoduro. They have two shops. I bought masks there on my trips in 2003 and 2011. Great quality and variety.
I do not have a specific store in mind but would like to warn you to be very careful when shopping for Murano Glass in Venice as lately it has even been in the press that lots of counterfeit glass from China is sold in Venetian stores as the real thing to unsuspecting customers. Please check our handy guide on buying authentic Murano Glass at http://blog.glassofvenice.com/2010/02/how-do-i-know-if-a-murano-glass-item-is-genuine/" before you go. Have a great trip and come to GlassOfVenice.com if you decide you need more Murano Glass jewelry after you return from Venice. Kevin,
GlassOfVenice.com