Hello from Oz!

[ayashe]

Hi I'm Sammie and I live in Australia. I'm new to Murano and glass but have always greatly admired it. My grandparents left me a few pieces when they passed and I adore them and look forward to adding to the collection gradually and carefully! I think this forum is a great place to start since there seems to be a lot of good advice on the common enemy... fakes! I look forward to being a part of this forum and learning. :)

[fossilfly]

Hi. Welcome to the forums from the US. I have found that there are many murano collectors in Australia. The forums are a great place to start, as well as the label library in my signature. Good luck and enjoy your new hobby. Its a good time to buy vintage Murano, prices are lower than they have been in recent years.

[ayashe]

Wow, what an amazing collection of labels and signatures. I can tell I will be referring to that pretty often.

Are there any tips for searching online or on eBay, like key words that anyone uses? I understand there is a plethora of dodgy sellers on eBay but when searching, does anyone search "murano label" for instance to narrow down more genuine pieces? Can anyone recommend any reputable sellers in general, not just eBay? Thanks!

[TxSilver]

Hi and welcome! I think the best advice for buying Murano glass is to learn about it before buying. A good book pays for itself quickly in money saved by preventing mistake purchases. A lot of the Chinese glass can look very much like Murano, but isn't worth much. A good primer for Murano that is sold in the USA is Leslie Pina's Italian Glass Century 20. I've noticed that some of the Murano sold in Australia is different than that sold in the USA, however. There may be a better book for Murano in Australia. Does anyone have any suggestions. I like some of the colorful Murano that I have seen for sale in Australia. The high shipping costs keeps me from buying it. :(

You have some wonderful Murano sellers on the Australian online auction sites. Many sell very nice Fratelli Toso pieces. I like Fratelli Toso because it is well made, but usually affordable.

Again, welcome!