How to Style Murano Glass Jewelry

Why Choose Murano?

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more people being drawn to bold patterns and colors. The logic behind it is understandable: when you want to brighten up your life, it’s best to splash some color into it. Murano glass jewelry is the best way to do so both from the perspective of fashion and sophistication, as it’s not just a trinket – it’s a piece of history you wear on your body.

Originating from a small island very close to beautiful Venice, Italian Murano Glass offers numerous styling possibilities. However, be careful when choosing these pieces because not wearing them correctly can lead to a style “clash,” especially with very colorful patterns. This article will give tips on incorporating Murano Glass jewelry into your outfits to ensure you get the look you want while being classy.

What Makes Murano Glass Jewelry Special?

Murano glassmaking is a set of techniques that have been around for centuries, requiring a skilled artisan to make each piece. It may not have the value of a diamond, but with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that it requires, these pieces can fetch a pretty high price.

Whether it’s famous pendants made with the millefiori technique or sparkly sommerso necklaces, or other variants, these colorful designs are often one-of-a-kind. You’ll rarely find identical pieces, meaning that even a recently made set is considered special. These delicate items are ideal statement accessories, turning even the simplest outfit into a charming one.

Styles that Work Best for Murano Glass Jewelry

The beauty of Murano glass jewelry is that its endless designs and patterns make it a versatile asset. That said, the intensity of most pieces makes them more suitable for specific styles, as follows:

1. Bohemian

If you are into the bohemian (or boho) style, Murano glass jewelry can pair beautifully with most of your clothes. Murano glass is colorful and unconventional, so by combining it with the eclectic, vibrant patterns of the boho style, you can live up to the vibe.

For example, long Millefiori glass necklaces work perfectly with a flowery maxi dress or a bohemian tunic. A good idea would be to use earthly tones when you wear textured fabrics, as they offer a better balance.

2. Modern/Minimalist

Balance is everything in fashion, so if you prefer clean lines, then Murano glass jewelry might be exactly what you need. If you wear simple, monochromatic clothes without too many details, this type of jewelry can offer that statement piece that brings everything together. Since there won’t be too many clashing colors either, this combination can also give you a touch of casual elegance.

3. Vintage/Retro

Murano glass has been around for quite a long time, making most pieces on the market “vintage.” Considering its history, it’s natural that one of the best-matching styles is retro, with its bright colors and intricate patterns.

Guide on Wearing Italian Murano Glass Jewelry

Murano glass jewelry can complement your look when it feels like it’s missing something. However, considering these items are vibrant, you should be careful how you balance them, especially when you wear multiple pieces.

1. Put a Focus on the Neckline

You can emphasize the neckline when putting on jewelry, especially if most of your neck and clavicle are showing. For instance, a bead necklace that stops at your collarbone or a pendant that goes right beneath it draws attention to the jewel itself, creating an elegant look.

2. Mix and Match the Jewelry Piece

Many are afraid of wearing multiple Murano jewelry pieces because they’re afraid it’ll be too much. That said, you can wear more than one item without them overwhelming each other. Still, you should be careful to maintain some symmetry when putting things together. Stick with a specific shade when wearing different patterns or keep the same jewel style if you want to play with colors.

3. Use One Jewelry Item as the Centerpiece

Ideally, two statement pieces are enough, and you can wear others as long as they don’t stand out as much. That said, to keep that delicate, tasteful balance, you might want to wear just one as a centerpiece. For instance, if you have a larger necklace with a bolder color and design, the earrings and necklace should be smaller but complementary.

4. Layer the Murano Glass Pieces

If you want to wear multiple Murano glass items, then you should consider layering them based on length. For example, you could dangle three necklaces of different lengths sporting various Murano glass pendants. You can also stack more bracelets of a similar style, offering a more eclectic look. Just make sure that there’s at least one common element between the jewels to smooth the transition.

5. Know When to Limit the Number of Jewelry Pieces

Sometimes, the key to wearing jewelry is knowing when to limit the pieces you put on. Let’s say you have a Millefiori glass jewelry set with a necklace, long earrings, bracelet, and ring. Rather than wearing all of them simultaneously, classily combine them for a nice balance. For instance, wearing just the earrings and bracelet can offer more elegance without overwhelming your style.

Tips for Styling Your Outfits with Murano Glass Jewelry

Italian Murano glass jewelry should complement your outfit, not compete with it. Here are a few tips to ensure you get that elegant look that only Murano glass can give you.

Strategically Match the Colors

The thing about Murano glass is that while the colors can be beautiful, too much of it can be an eyesore. This is why you should strategically match the shades to the clothes. An orange dress can pair beautifully with a necklace in orange and white colors. A good idea would be not to use more than two colors, as this can overpower the look.

Consider Monochromatic Clothes

When in doubt, it’s always best to choose monochromatic clothing items to let the jewelry shine. A classic black dress can look marvelous with a red Murano glass bracelet or pendant. You can also wear colors other than black and white, but keep the clothing shades muted or lighter than the piece you choose to accentuate them.

Choose the Fabrics Tastefully

The material of your clothes can affect how your Murano glass jewelry looks. For instance, smooth silk or satin clothes could work well with a statement necklace or a chunky bracelet, but day-to-day knits might look better with a simple, smaller ring or a subdued pair of earrings.

Keep the Outfit Minimal

The last thing you want to do is mix a fancy, heavily detailed outfit with Murano glass jewelry. The fewer bells and whistles your outfit has, the better. If possible, don’t overlay the clothes, because it might look like it’s “too much.”

Choose the Design Based on the Event

Different pieces of Italian Murano glass could serve different occasions. For instance, formal events should have you wearing a pair of earrings and a necklace, or a bracelet that would match well, whereas casual outings could work with a riskier look such as layered necklaces or chunky rings. Choose the design based on the vibe.

How to Care for Murano Glass Jewelry

Murano glass is durable, but you need to care for your Murano jewelry to keep its shine for as long as possible. The colors will never fade due to the way this glassware is made, however, you will need to make sure the glass doesn’t break or scratch and keep the metal parts looking new and lustrous. Here are some tips that could help:

• Clean the jewelry using a soft cloth to avoid scratching it

• Don’t use chemicals to clean it, as it can affect the luster and longevity

• Put the jewelry on after using hairspray or perfume to avoid contact

• Keep the jewelry in its own padded box to prevent it from chipping and scratching

• Don’t wear Murano jewelry when doing household chores, bathing, showering, swimming, or exercising 

If you care for it correctly, your Murano glass jewelry should last you a lifetime, and you should even pass it down to your children.

Final Thoughts to Dress for Success 

Murano glass jewelry has the potential to be a timeless accessory, but you’ll have to wear it right. As long as you can strike a balance, you can use it to accentuate your style. Don’t be afraid to explore necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings in various styles and colors to suit your personality. 

Use bright pieces in the summer outdoor events, and pair them with flowing dresses and other accessories like scarves and belts. Wear large pendants and chunky necklaces with detailed bracelets and earrings and combine them with monochromatic outfits in the winter. Finally, don’t forget to care for your jewelry and accessories once you take them off to ensure they always stay bright and lustrous.