NEW YORK, Mar 16, 2009 / FW/ — Murano glass, its artistry and high quality had been renowned since the 13th century. It derives its name from the place where it is manufactured, the island of Murano, which is located off the shores of Venice.
A commercial port as far back as the 7th century, Murano took a prominent place in glassmaking when the then Venetian Republic, , fearing fire and destruction to the city’s mostly wood buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. Today, Murano glass is still interwoven with Venetian glass.
Murano’s glassmakers held a monopoly on quality glassmaking for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass.
Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these century-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass jewellery to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.
Hilary Foster, designing under the label Hilary London offers an extraordinary assortment of Murano glass jewelry. Each piece is handmade in Italy using centuries old techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Hilary London offers the sophisticated woman an exceptional alternative to fine jewelry.
For more information: www.hilarylondon.com
Photos courtesy of Hilary London