How do you know if you are buying real Murano glass?

I am regularly asked whether we sell jewelry made from real Murano glass. People are afraid of imitation. Rightly so! Because there are plenty of scammers who sell products that have been counterfeited from 'normal' glass. In a distant, usually Asian, country. I will explain to you what Murano glass is and how to distinguish fake from real.

What is Murano glass?

The 'special' ingredient in Murano glass is siliceous sand, while special currents and stabilizers are added to melt the glass at lower temperatures and create beautiful objects. They only do this in Italy, in the lagoon of Venice, on the island group of Murano.

How do you distinguish real from fake Murano glass?

Let me give you a hand with some practical tips when purchasing Murano glass products. It is important to know that you are buying a real product and not an imitation. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Check authenticity: If you buy Murano glass products from, make sure it is genuine Murano glass, and if you have any doubts about its authenticity, ask about the origin of the glassware, where it is made. Is no (clear) answer given? Then that's a big red flag!

Warranty and certificates: Always ask for the Warranty Certificate of Original Murano Glass, made in Italy. This greatly increases the chance that you will receive an authentic piece of jewelry. At Sparkles Online you will receive this certificate with every order.

Natural materials: Murano glass is pure and is produced with natural materials. This makes it special and unique. Do you see any plastic in or on the glass? Be careful, this is probably a fake piece of jewelry.

Be wary of imitations: There are products masquerading as Murano glass, but they are often made from harmful materials that can cause allergies or damage the skin. So always pay close attention to the authenticity of the product.

Nickel-free: Check whether the closures or metal parts of the selected product are nickel-free according to the European Directive 93/27/CEE.

I hope these tips help you buy the Murano glass product you are looking for with more confidence. Enjoy your purchase and cherish the beautiful craftsmanship of Murano glass!

Judith Schoorlemmer