| Glass beads have been in use as jewelry, | | | | reproduce the gems he had brought back. Soon |
| probably as a substitute for the rare and | | | | after, improvements in glassmaking techniques |
| expensive gemstones, for centuries. There is | | | | and materials provided the means for the |
| evidence of a method known as 'core forming' in | | | | development of a wide range of Venetian glass |
| Mesopotamia in 2340 B.C. where a metal rod with | | | | jewelry, especially Murano jewelry. |
| pieces of glass was held over a fire; as the glass | | | | The island of Murano lies to the north of Venice. |
| softened, they were worked into intricate | | | | It has been the hub of the Venetian glass industry |
| ornaments that were treasured by their owners | | | | for several centuries - mainly because Venetian |
| so much that people were buried with them. | | | | lawmakers forced the move in 1291. The style |
| Although glassmaking has been an art and an | | | | and color or Murano glass is unique and much |
| industry in Europe, particularly Venice, since the | | | | sought after. It is now a standard and much |
| 11th century, it was the return of the Venetian | | | | enjoyed component of the jewelry industry and |
| explorer Marco Polo and his father in 1294, which | | | | looks great when worn. |
| provided the impetus for the widespread | | | | Murano glass jewelry makes a fine gift. The |
| development of the glass bead as ornamental | | | | workmanship that goes into making the jewelry |
| jewelry. Returning from his travels in Asia with | | | | means that everybody can expect quality glass |
| jewelry and precious stones from China, the | | | | adornments every time. |
| Venetian glassmakers took to their furnaces to | | | | |