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Millefiori glass-- the name means "a thousand flowers"-- was first perfected in the classical world. Ancient Alexandria especially was famous for its brilliant glassware  More »

Millefiori glass-- the name means "a thousand flowers"-- was first perfected in the classical world. Ancient Alexandria especially was famous for its brilliant glassware composed of different colors melded together in abstract floral patterns. Later, Venetian artisans on the island of Murano revived the centuries-old technique with great success. These extraordinary beads, bright and bold as a contemporary painting, are timeless in their appeal. Traditional yet innovative all at once, they are the ideal adornment for someone who appreciates a true classic. - (FJ.3209)Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 17 th Century AD to 18 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Millefiori Medium: Glass   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.4296)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.4298)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. It is easy to understand why, even after all these centuries. Their bold patterns, like an abstract bouquet, make a timeless appeal to the senses. - (FJ.4299)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.4300)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.4301)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.4302)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for  More »

The name "millefiori" comes from the Italian for "a thousand flowers" because this brightly colored glass is said to resemble a field full of blooms. The technique for millefiori was first discovered in ancient Alexandria in the 2nd century B.C. The ancients referred to it as "mosaic glass". Rods or sheets of different colored glass were fused together at high temperatures to form exotic patterns. The fused glass was then cut and shaped into exquisite jewelry and vessels. Late in the medieval period, Venetian artisans re-discovered the process. Throughout the renaissance, Venice was a powerful trading nation whose ships sailed into every known port of east and west. For barter, these traders carried millefiori beads, which become especially sought after in Africa. The Africans were seized with a passion for these glass ornaments, for which they traded gold, ivory, and spices. In Africa, millefiori beads quickly became a medium of exchange, and were used by some tribes as a bridal dowry. It is easy to understand why, even after all these centuries. Their bold patterns, like an abstract bouquet, make a timeless appeal to the senses. - (FJ.4303)Origin: India Circa: 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less