The Venetian island of Murano is the home of some of the world's finest glass treasures.1 With a nearly thousand year old tradition of glass making, this Mediterranean locale still produces works of art to impress even the most refined art lover.1 The secret to the unique quality of Murano glass is in the sand used to make it.1 High quality silica sand is worked into a liquid material and then crafted into gorgeous designs for all the world to enjoy.

Creating Murano glass beads is an especially difficult procedure.1 The challenge of working with sensitive color compounds requires extensive training and years of mastering the art.1 Every bead is formed individually by hand using the Murano's innovative lampworking technique.1 The process is time consuming and requires the most skilled precision.1 The result is tiny glittering jewels of art glass perfection.

Many of these beads feature stunning details formed from gold and silver leaf and glass overlays shaped into tiny yet beautiful images.1 Murano seedbeads also called Conterie are particularly amazing as their minute size would seem to make them impossible to fashion in fine detail.1 Yet somehow, the glassworkers of Murano keep turning them out and amazing collectors with these breathtaking miniature creations