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How to Buy Vintage Murano Glass for Resale

Among collectors of glassware, no name is more respected than that of Murano. This small island in the Venice Lagoon has been famous for its glass since the 13th century, when the Venetian authorities ordered glass production to be moved out of Venice itself because of the danger of fire. In the early 21st century, vintage Murano pieces are highly collectible. Buying and reselling vintage Murano pieces can be both enjoyable and profitable, but success rests on knowing the sellers and the product.

Things You'll Need

  • Reference works on Murano glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the major Murano glass producers and the common styles. Murano glassmakers use a wide variety of techniques to produce their work. Probably the most famous is the millefiori style, in which layered rods of colored glass are sliced to create star- or flower-like patterns and then combined.

    • 2

      Study Murano glass labels. Authentic Murano producers mark their work with a foil label. The absence of this label isn't necessarily evidence of a fake piece; vintage glass can lose its label through normal wear. Nonetheless, it's still helpful to know your labels. Some makers use an etched signature or other marking instead of a label.

    • 3

      Visit antiques fairs, vintage stores and anywhere else antiques might be sold. Out-of-the-way sellers are less likely to have vintage Murano pieces, but prices can often be much lower; by contrast, specialist sellers know their market well, and it can be difficult to make a profit on items purchased from one. Online sellers can also be useful, but without the opportunity to examine a piece directly it's easy to be taken in by an imitation. Research online sellers carefully before buying.

    • 4

      Price items for resale. You'll need to familiarize yourself with prices for comparable pieces on the market, as well as taking into account your expenses in acquiring the piece. Some pieces may also appreciate in value over time.

    • 5

      Locate potential buyers. You'll find buyers in many of the same places you find sellers, such as antiques fairs or online.


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