Venitian Glass

I don't know about the best prices, but the best selection was in Venice IMO. I still regret not buying a set of sconces last year. Thought I could find something similar on the internet so I wouldn't have to worry/deal with transporting them home [INVALID] never did find another that I liked:(

Wife and I found a wonderful glass blower at the Ponte Dei Mirocoli, named Lisbet. Look her up, she is wonderful, and if she does not make it, she can find it. Enjoy! Ciao, Jeff

Jeff, in which city is Ponte Dei Mirocoli? THANK YOU!

Careful if "value" is what you are after that you don't wind up with stuff made in China and marketed as Murano.

There are a few little glass shops where I was doubtful of the origin of the glass (maybe China?). But for the most part, you will find the best Murano glass in Venice. You would not want to buy in Sorrento, Rome, or Florence, because it is not produced there, therefore for the most part, it is not sold there. You are more likely to get a Chinese made knock-off if you purchase outside of Venice anyway. Buying Venetian glass outside of Venice would be defeating the point of buying Venetian glass. It's a souvenir of Venice! Prices range from the very inexpensive to the fabulously expensive. You will find the most expensive glass in and around St. Marks Square. It is very good stuff though. If you hit the side streets from there, you will get into the more affordable fare.

We did buy a few small inexpensive items on our walk through Murano but we avoided what seemed to be higher prices there. However, we could not avoid the wonderful shop just to the right of the clock tower in San Marks square. The necklaces and bracelets were just so nice. And, there was quite a selection. I did get a most beautiful necklace there for my wife. It's one of her favorites. I'm not sure how this would compare in Florence or Rome.

If you see something you like/love, at a price that seems at all reasonable, buy it regardless of where you are. My biggest regrets have been when I've passed up something I've really liked thinking I'd find it cheaper or better later on. (This summer in Italy I was on the hunt for micromosaic frames and jewelry. I found some very reasonably priced in Florence at the market by San Lorenzo, hesitated - because I "knew" they were made in Venice - but bought some anyway, remembering my own advice. In Venice I finally found some in ONE shop on Murano - much more expensive, where the shopkeeper explained the glass canes were made in Venice, but they are sent to Rome and Florence where the frames, jewelry, etc. are put together. I was so glad I'd bought the ones in Florence.) To answer your question, though, Murano glass is EVERYWHERE in Venice, so it seems reasonable to assume the prices are better there since you have so many choices. If you get a chance, go to Murano - it's beautiful and has every kind of glass imaginable - the main canal is lined with shops and they all sell glass, from rings to chandeliers.