Lewis Jewelers Carries Murano Glass Beads For Pandora Bracelets

ANN ARBOR, MICH. — Lewis Jewelers now carries 12 new styles for the Pandora Jewelry Murano Glass bead collection. These new bead designs add style, color, and flair to any Pandora bracelet or necklace. Dress up this fall in colorful swirls, polka dots, zigzags, and flower designs. Each piece is hand crafted and is a unique piece of art.

Murano glass is the longest lasting center for glass making in history, spanning from the 9th century to today. It is known for its beautiful and innovative artwork and glasswork. Because Murano does have such a long history, one can easily see the reflection of important events, including the Renaissance and Napoleon's conquest of Europe, and how they affected a small island of glassmakers in the Adriatic Sea.

Murano is located on a small island northwest of the city of Venice, Italy — not much larger than a few square miles.

It is believed the origins of Murano Glass dates back to 9th century Rome, with significant Asian and Muslim influences, as Venice was a major trading port. Multihued perle (beads) were used in trading with Asian, African and Muslim neighbors. The first known historical document describes Domenico, a glass blowing master, who created bottles. Other equally rare documents describe Pietro Fiolario working with glass in 1083 and Giovanni Fiolario as a master glass blower making bottles in 1158.

During the1930s, Ermanno Toso changed the direction of Murano Glass, from one of creating traditional Muranese objects to one of one of more modern tastes. War threatened the glass masters in the 40s, but the industry managed to survive World War II and emerged post-war with pent up artistic energy, making the 1950s some of the most creative and innovative years the island of Murano have ever seen. The filigrana technique was expanded and used to new effect by another Murano master, Archimede Seguso, who opened his own shop, Vetreria Archimede Seguso, in 1946. Today, collectors consider the works created during this time the most desirable.

Artists including Dino Martens, who brought traditional Venetian techniques to America, Flavio Poli and Fulvio Bianconi all began making unique, non-traditional works to express their creativity.

Since the 1950's the maestros in Venice have collaborated with artists worldwide, including Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Jean Cocteau in addition to serving as a mentors to artists who started the American Studio Glass movement.

In another recent development, on February 14, 2003, the city of Venice unveiled the new trademark for the city, created by French designer Mathieu Thibautto as seen above. The future of the Murano is as bright as ever. Continual innovation coupled with a renewed emphasis on collaboration with artists worldwide will serve the island well, allowing the maestro's to flourish and establish the 21st century as another "Golden Age" of Murano glass!

Lewis Jewelers is distinguishable not only by reputation but also by its offering of some of the world's finest jewelry designers. Lewis Jewelers is a family owned and operated business with 20 full-time employees, including four master goldsmiths and three graduate gemologists (graduates of the Gemological Institute of America G.I.A).

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry (www.pandorabraceletsusa.com). For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.lewisjewelers.com. Lewis Jewelers is located at 2000 West Stadium Blvd in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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