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Order Process
Policies
Murano Glass
Other Information
How can I find a particular product on your site?
We have a Search function that allows you to look for specific words and phrases in the names of our products. To use the Search function, just type the words you are looking for into the Search box located at the top of the site and click the "Search" button to see all products that match the criteria. Example: you can type "heart" into the Search box and press "Search" to see all items that are related to hearts.
How can I find matching items?
In many cases we have matching pieces for our pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more. When you open a product either by clicking on its photo or by clicking on Quick View link, you will see matching pieces shown under "You May Also Like" section in the lower part of the product page. If you don't see a matching product that you like please contact us at support@glassofvenice.com and we may be able to find what you need in our large warehouse.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and Paypal. On an exception basis we can also accept US money orders and personal checks. If you would like to pay us by money order or check, please e-mail us before placing an order at support@glassofvenice.com
On large orders we encourage interbank wire transfers. Please e-mail us at support@glassofvenice.com for details. We offer additional 1% discount from your order of $1,000+ if paid via bank transfer.
Do you accept orders from countries outside the U.S.?
Yes, we accept orders from many countries outside of the U.S. We ship our products to the U.K., continental European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many other countries. Please refer to the country drop-down list during checkout process to see a full list of the countries that you can order from. If you would like to place an order but do not see your country in the list, please feel free to e-mail us at support@glassofvenice.com and we will do our best to assist you.
Do I need to pay Customs fee on my International order?
On international orders, it is the customer's responsibility to comply with their respective country's laws and regulations pertaining to customs duties and taxes. We may not be held responsible for customs fees that may need to be paid to collect your package abroad. If you are an international customer, we recommend that you learn about your Country`s customs requirements prior to ordering from abroad.
How soon will my order be processed and shipped?
We strive to process all orders within 1 business day of their receipt whenever possible. We will send you order confirmation via e-mail as soon as the order is placed. If you still do not see this e-mail 1 hour after you submit the order please check your e-mail Spam folder and if the e-mail is not there, please contact us immediately. After your order is shipped we will send you the shipping notification e-mail with tracking instructions.
If any part of your order is not in stock, we may ship it separately or contact you to determine how to proceed, depending on the situation. All our products are hand-made in Venice, Italy, and when we run out of stock we may have to wait for the arrival of additional stock from Venice. In many instances we are able to offer you a similar product that is in stock to help you avoid the wait. Due to the nature of our products, some items (such as chandeliers) are custom-made by the artisans in Murano to your specifications. We will clearly indicate such cases on the item descriptions and estimate the expected time for the products to arrive.
What are your shipping methods and costs?
We ship via USPS (United States Postal Service), UPS, and FedEx. During check-out you will have an option to choose the delivery method you prefer. We offer Free Shipping on all orders over $49 shipped to the Continental U.S. We also offer priority, 2nd day, and overnight shipping options. Even if your order qualifies for free shipping, you can always choose an alternative/faster shipping method at an extra cost, which will be calculated automatically based on the weight and size of your order and your shipping address at the time of checkout.
I want to purchase a gift. Do you provide gift packaging?
Yes, gift packaging or wrapping is available for most products. When you add an item to your Shopping Cart you will see a "Gift Wrap" checkbox and the price of gift-wrapping under the product quantity. If you select that box your item will be packaged as a gift. For jewelry we use attractive gift boxes that are gender-neutral and fit any special occasion. For other items, gift packaging varies depending on the size and shape of the item. Larger items are packaged into sturdy boxes to avoid damage in shipping, which are then carefully wrapped in high-quality silver gift paper. You can always include a gift note at no extra charge. It will be a handwritten note on a beautiful card with a view of Venice. To include a gift note, please write the text you would like to appear in the "Add a FREE Gift Message" section. If you select gift packaging, include gift note, or ship the gift to an address other than your own, we will automatically enclose only the packing slip without prices, rather than the full invoice, into your order.
Do you collect sales tax?
As mandated by the U.S. tax code, we collect 7% New Jersey State sales tax on all orders shipped to New Jersey. We do not charge taxes on orders shipped elsewhere.
Can I place a custom order with you?
Yes, we welcome custom orders. Depending on your specific requirements, we can work directly with master glassblowers in Murano to create a custom product for you. Please contact us with any custom requests you might have at support@glassofvenice.com and we will let you know if we can help.
What if I want an item that is not on your website?
We make every effort to keep our clients satisfied and help them find the Murano Glass pieces that they are looking for. We carry the largest inventory of any Murano Glass importer outside of Venice, and we have many more models in our warehouse than what you see on the website. Please send us a photo or description of the item you seek to support@glassofvenice.com and weХll be happy to help.
How can I order a chandelier?
As every chandelier is a unique labor-intensive work of art, it is always made to order. You can pick from a number of customization options such as color, number of lamps, and even design.
Do you work with wholesale customers?
Yes, we do! In order to streamline the ordering process and make it easy and user-friendly for our wholesale clients, we created a separate website, www.MuranoGlassWorld.com, dedicated exclusively to our wholesale offering.
Note: In order to see the prices on this website, you will need to create an account on www.MuranoGlassWorld.com. After the registration, your account will typically be reviewed by us within the next 24 hours and, once approved, you will receive a separate e-mail confirming your account approval. After that, you will be able to view the prices and submit your wholesale orders to us online.
Do you offer corporate gifts?
Absolutely! Many of our products make ideal corporate gifts. We can also customize the packaging material to suit your needs. We are happy to work with you to understand your requirements and determine how we can meet them.
What is your return/exchange policy?
SPECIAL HOLIDAY POLICY: All orders placed between November 15th and December 31st are eligible for returns/exchanges until February 1st of the next year.
We have total customer satisfaction policy, which means that if you are not satisfied with the product you received for any reason, return it to us within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. Please request an RMA from us and give us the reason for your return prior to returning the items. Items must be returned in original wrapping/packaging in sellable condition unless defective. Defective or damaged items must be reported to us within 3 days of receipt and we will work with you to replace them..
Is my information secure?
Secure storage and transmission of our customer`s sensitive information is our top priority. Unlike many other online merchants, we DO NOT keep your credit card information on file to avoid any chance of unauthorized use of your data. We employ industry-leading technology to ensure security of your information. We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software, which encrypts any private information you input for safe transmission over the networks. We implemented a top-notch 256-bit encryption for all the data you transmit during checkout and registration process so that there is no chance for unauthorized access to it. Please click on the Site Seal icon on the bottom left corner of our home page to see more information on our Certificate.
What is your privacy policy?
Your privacy is very important to us. We diligently protect the information you share with us from any unauthorized use. With that in mind, we developed Privacy Policy to address any concerns you may have and explain how we handle your sensitive information. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to ensure your familiarity with our approach to this important subject.
What are your general terms and conditions?
We value honest and open conduct with our customers. To ensure that you have all the information on how we operate, we publish our Terms and Conditions on our Web Site and we encourage you to review them to stay informed.
How can I be sure that your products are authentic?
We differ from our competitors in that we were founded with only one purpose: to help our global client base get access to the wide variety of authentic Murano glass that has previously been only available in Venice, at prices better than one would find in Venice. We specialize only in Murano Glass. In fact, we do not sell anything else, and we have been in business for many years with thousands of loyal clients worldwide. The Management of the company is Italian-educated with knowledge of Italian language and culture, and we travel to Murano often to maintain our close relationships with the artisans and provide them with constant feedback to achieve high quality products that follow latest trends. We deal only with reputable Murano-based artisans and workshops that have been creating Murano Glass for decades. Each product we sell comes with certificate of authenticity in English and Italian. For further assurance please view our video which was shot exclusively for us during one of our trips to Murano, featuring famous Murano Glass-making process.
I returned from Venice and realized I want more Murano Glass. What can I do now?
While visiting Venice, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of Murano glass offered for sale all over the city. However, once the tourists return home and start wearing or displaying their beautiful Murano glass pieces, they instantly get many complements and wonder if they should have purchased more Murano glass items both for themselves and as gifts. Here GlassOfVenice.com comes to the rescue. Shopping with us is as good as shopping and Venice, minus the crowds, the sales pressure, and the authenticity concerns. We have done the work of selecting the best workshops on Murano who craft top quality Murano Glass at reasonable prices. GlassOfVenice.com is your answer to finding all Murano Glass you need without the trip to Venice, Italy.
I have a beautiful glass item. Is it Murano glass?
As with many works of art, it is not always easy to determine whether a particular glass item is authentic Murano glass, and it is even harder to attribute it to a particular master. Over the centuries, there were so many trends and techniques in Murano glass that the spectrum of possibilities of what a genuine Murano glass item may look like is very wide. From imitations of classical antiquity to enameled glass, glass made to look like chalcedony or other semi-precious stones, glass with filigree and engravings, Murano masters made miracles out of glass for 800 years. These days, one can only come across Murano glassware from the Middle Ages in museums such as the famous Glass Museum in Murano. However, Murano glass from more recent times such as 19th and 20th century, often made by famous masters, can often be found in ordinary peopleХs possessions.
If you come across an item that you think may be Murano glass, first of all look for any labels, etchings, stamps or signs stating the origin of the item or name of the glass-making company. If you find any, and it contains names like Salviati, Seguso, Barovier, Toso, Moretti, Mandruzzato, Venini, Zanetti, Nason, Signoretto, Barbini, Bianconi, Cenedese or words like Vetro Murano, Vetreria Artistica Murano, Maestri Vetrai Murano or similar, you are probably holding a genuine Murano glass article. If there are no labels or etchings, identification is more complicated and has to be made on the basis of the look and glassmaking technique alone. The best approach in this case is to take several high quality photos of your article from various viewpoints and send them to experts for identification and attribution. GlassOfVenice.com has been dealing with Murano glass for many years and can help you with such requests for free.
What is the difference between Murano glass and any other glass?
Murano glass is glass in a chemical sense of the word. However, Murano glass is as different from, say, the glass in your window panes, as Rembrandt paintings are different from an empty canvas. Murano glass is created only on the island of Murano, located within the borders of the city of Venice in Northern Italy. This glass is made from silica, soda, lime and potassium melted together in a special furnace at a temperature of 1500ЎC to reach a liquid state. Gold or silver foil are often added to the glass mixture, along with such minerals as copper for sparkles, zinc for white color, cobalt for blue, manganese for violet, and so on. The mixture is then mouth-blown and/or hand-crafted by master glassmakers using special techniques and basic tools, many of which have been developed in the Middle Ages and changed little since then. This method of glass-making results in unique creations with rich coloring and beautiful, sometimes surreal, patterns and shapes, deserving to be called "works of art". Even though beautiful glassware has also been created in other places around the world, none of the glassware still being produced has such rich history and so much artistic value as Murano glass.
How can I fix a broken Murano Glass item?
Murano glass is hand-crafted by masters working the heated-up liquefied glass mass using special centuries-old techniques, and then cooling it down till it solidifies to form a specific pattern within a certain shape. For this reason, when an article made of Murano glass breaks, it is not possible to fix it except for gluing it together. Gluing may work if the item has a smooth break line and broke into only two or three pieces as opposed to many small ones.
If, based on the above conditions, you feel that it may be possible to glue the item back together, first of all you need to buy the right glue. We recommend using E-6000Ё glue for Murano glass, or any glass for that matter. This is a very strong waterproof and flexible adhesive once it dries. The only downside is its long drying time- make sure to let it dry for 24 to 72 hours after application. With this glue, apply a thin coat to both glass surfaces that you need to attach, wait ten minutes and strongly press the surfaces together. Then put the item aside and let dry. Make sure you use this glue only in an area that has adequate ventilation. If your item is high-end and requires professional help, we can recommend a Murano Glass repair specialist in the U.S. who can work with you. Get more information here.
If your Murano glass broke in such a way that it cannot be glued together, or if it just cracked inside its frame (like may be the case with Millefiori pendants), your best option may be to try to find a replacement. Regardless of whether the Murano glass item was modern or vintage, purchased recently or long ago, there are companies specializing in Murano glass that will be willing to work with you to find a replacement. GlassOfVenice.com is one such company, which accepts custom requests and is often able to deliver the specified products.
How do I know if a Murano glass item is genuine?
This question is by far the most common one among those we receive. And this does not come as a surprise to us, since so many counterfeits have flooded the market in recent years, especially with the advent of the World Wide Web. Most Murano glass lovers appreciate this glass not only for its beauty but also for its historic, artistic, and sometimes sentimental value. So understandably they want to be sure they are buying the real thing rather than some cheap imitation. Here are the things to look for:
1) Look at the item itself (or its photos if buying online)
Does the item appear to be hand-made with slightly uneven surface or texture, or perhaps tiny bubbles inside the glass? Are the photos clear and professional showing the surface and texture of the glass? Can the photos be enlarged so you can clearly see the patterns? Are the colors bright and rich? Does the item seem to glow from within? Does the description say "Murano Glass" (and not "Murano-style" or similar)? Does it talk about real gold or silver being used during production of the glass? You want to be able to answer YES to ALL of these questions when you are looking for a genuine article. Always look for the evidence of the hand-crafted nature of the items, good photos, rich colors and specific descriptions.
2) Look at what else comes with the item
Does the seller offer a certificate of authenticity stating the origin and the production process of the item? Does the certificate display any text in Italian language? Is special packaging offered with the item? Does the packaging look attractive and is it of good quality? Again if the answer is always YES you are on the right track.
3) Look at the seller
Is the seller reputable? Does it share information about itself? Does it specialize only in Murano glass? Does the seller demonstrate good knowledge of Murano glass industry, techniques, production process, and history? Does it possess Italian background, education, or extensive travel experience to Italy? Does it offer a generous Return/Exchange policy? If it's a website, is it professional-looking? Is there a real business address and phone number listed on the site? Look out for the addresses in Asia or in developing countries as this often is a counterfeit warning sign. Is it merely a large web portal selling lots of items from all sorts of sellers? Are any client testimonials or product reviews readily available on the site? Answering YES to these questions indicates the seller is likely to sell genuine Murano glass. On the flip-side, if the seller also sells lots of other cheap-looking jewelry and accessories, is known as a large seller of cheap household names, canХt tell you much about Murano or Murano glass, does not seem to have any links to Italy, or has a shady website, you are probably looking at counterfeits.
4) Look at the assortment of Murano glass products the seller offers
Does the seller offer a wide range of Murano glass products that includes jewelry, home decor items and high-end Murano glass items such as vases, chandeliers, or art glass? Does it offer any Millefiori items? If so, is there a large variety of them and are they of good quality, displaying intricate patterns with many mosaic pieces in them, and rich colors? Millefiori is one of the most difficult Murano glass techniques and is harder to fake than some other ones. Does the seller offer to work with you on procuring any custom items or items not in their inventory? Again, if you answered YES to these questions you can be reasonably sure you are dealing with the seller who offers genuine Murano glass.
In general, trust your instinct and common sense when buying Murano glass. If something tells you "beware", try to find out as much information as possible from the seller, and if you are still not satisfied, just steer clear from it and look elsewhere.
Who makes your products?
Unlike many of our competitors, we are proud to sell only authentic Murano glass products made in Murano, Italy. Murano is an island that forms a part of the city of Venice, Italy. In our search for perfection we found the best artisans on the island of Murano and we work with them directly to bring their products to you at the lowest cost via our secure internet store. We sell only 100% authentic Murano glass from the artisans that have been in business for over 75 years and are members of Consorzio Promovetro trade association. This association guarantees that its members produce only the highest quality original Murano glass made according to the ancient techniques and traditions and upholds the fight against multiple reproductions and counterfeit copies of Murano glass circulating in the world today. All our products come with certificates of authenticity so that you can rest assured in the quality of the products you bought.
How should I care for my Murano glass products?
Murano jewelry requires very minor care and cleaning, and is generally quite durable. Please keep your Murano glass jewelry out of reach of children and pets, as some items may break if they fall on a hard surface. Larger items such as vases and chandeliers may dust more frequently and visibly, and require more thorough cleaning. Periodically wipe your glass items thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure that your cloth has no cleaning solution on it that might leave a residue or damage your delicate Murano glass. You may use a lightly dampened lint-free cloth to remove any remaining spots after dry dusting. Please note that none of the Murano Glass items are dishwasher-safe, and will most likely be damaged in the dishwasher. Therefore, wash your glasses, bowls, etc. manually in warm water with soap.
Where can I find out more about Murano Glass?
We take great interest in studying about Murano Glass and sharing our knowledge with our customers. We offer original articles about Murano Glass on our website, including a comprehensive Overview of Murano Glass History and Glassmaking Techniques. We also try our best to respond to custom queries about Murano Glass items regarding their manufacturers, styles, etc. If you have such request you can e-mail the photos of your item to us at support@glassofvenice.com and we'll try to help.
Can I see feedback from your other customers?
Yes, we are proud to report that we have many satisfied customers and we are happy to share with you the feedback that we received. You can find some quotes from our customers here. We hope that you too will like our products and service and invite you to send us your feedback.
In addition, we provide a way for our customers to leave comments about the products that they bought and share them with our web site visitors. If you bought a product from us, your review will be invaluable to all our customers. To write a product review, please log in to your account, locate the items that your ordered, click on Reviews, then Write Review on the bottom right of the page. Write a short text under Your Review and assign a Product Rating below.
What are the benefits of creating an account at GlassOfVenice.com?
By registering with us you are getting access to a variety of services, which include:
- Permanent Cart - Any products that you added to your online cart while logged in to our site on any device, whether desktop or mobile, remain there even after you log out, and you will be able to see them in your subsequent visits to the site until you remove them, or check them out.
- Sales and Promotions - From time to time we will send you communications about our current promotions and will include coupon codes.
- Address Options - We can deliver your products to addresses other than your home address. This is perfect if you would like to send gifts directly to the recipients.
- Order History - View the history of purchases that you have made with us.
What else can interest me on your site?
We publish a unique blog related solely to Murano glass, Venice, Italian culture, travel, and similar topics that our customers find very useful. You can access the blog at http://www.glassofvenice.com/blog. The blog is absolutely commercial-free and you are free to ask questions, make comments, share your ideas on the subject etc.
We value your thoughts and would truly appreciate your feedback on this initiative. Please tell us your thoughts by sending an e-mail to support@glassofvenice.com.
I have a question not listed here
We welcome any other questions you may have. Contact us at support@glassofvenice.com.
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