Donne Veneziane e Gioielli in Vetro di Murano

Venetian Women and Murano Glass Jewels

Murano glass jewels are precious accessories that have accompanied the history and culture of Venice and its women . They are the result of the art and mastery of the glassmakers of the island of Murano, who have been able to create real works of art with colored and decorated glass since the 13th century. Murano glass jewels have represented not only an ornament, but also a symbol of social status, identity and beauty .

 

In the Middle Ages, Murano glass jewels were the prerogative of the upper classes of Venetian society, such as nobles, merchants and patricians. Venetian women wore Murano glass jewels to show off their wealth and prestige , but also to express their personality and taste. Murano glass jewels were in fact very varied and original, both in shape and in colour. You could find necklaces , bracelets , earrings , rings, brooches, buckles and buttons, made with different techniques and materials. Among the most famous, there are the Venetian rosettes, multicolored pearls in the shape of a rose; the millefiori, pearls decorated with small flowers; sommerso, pearls with a colored nucleus covered by a transparent layer; aventurines, pearls with copper inclusions that create a sparkling effect.

 

During the Renaissance, Murano glass jewels reached their peak of splendor and diffusion . Venetian women wore Murano glass jewels not only to embellish their faces and necks, but also to adorn their clothes and hair. Murano glass jewels matched perfectly with the precious fabrics and fashions of the time, such as plunging necklines, wide sleeves and elaborate hairstyles. Murano glass jewelry was also a hallmark of Venetian courtesans , the famous women who practiced luxury prostitution and who were known for their beauty and culture. Venetian courtesans wore Murano glass jewels to seduce and fascinate their lovers, but also to demonstrate their independence and freedom.

 

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Murano glass jewels continued to be appreciated and requested by Venetian women, but also by European ones. Murano glass jewels adapted to the new trends and new tastes of the Baroque and Rococo era. Venetian women wore Murano glass jewels to enhance their femininity and elegance, but also to have fun and play with fashion . Murano glass jewels were in fact very versatile and could be combined with each other or with other materials, such as precious stones or oriental pearls. Among the most popular are the morette, female heads in black glass that were worn as earrings or pendants; the coronelle, necklaces formed by a series of concentric rings in colored glass; the swivels, glass spirals that wrapped around the neck or wrist.

 

In conclusion , Murano glass jewels are true masterpieces of art and style, which have accompanied the history and culture of Venice and its women . They are the result of the art and mastery of the glassmakers of the island of Murano, who have been able to create real works of art with colored and decorated glass. Murano glass jewels have represented not only an ornament, but also a symbol of social status, identity and beauty. Venetian women have worn Murano glass jewels in different ages and occasions, expressing their personality and taste. Murano glass jewels are still today precious accessories that enhance the beauty and femininity of the wearer . They are unique and unrepeatable jewels that tell an ancient and magical story .

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