If you've ever held a piece of Murano glass, you may have noticed a small sticker, paper label, or engraved mark on the base. These aren't just decorative — they're a window into the piece's origin, maker, and authenticity. Here's what they mean and why they matter.
The Vetro Artistico® Murano Trademark (VAM)
The most authoritative mark you can find on genuine Murano glass today is the Vetro Artistico® Murano trademark — a certification issued by the Veneto Region of Italy. It guarantees that the piece was handmade on the island of Murano using traditional techniques. This holographic sticker has been in use since 2002. If a piece claims to be Murano but lacks any certification, treat that claim with caution.
The Vetri Murano (VM) Labels — 1981 to approx. 2001
Before the VAM trademark existed, authentic Murano glass was certified by a different system: the Vetri Murano (VM) label, created by the Consorzio Venezia Vetro, a consortium of Murano glass entrepreneurs established in 1975. These labels came into use in 1981 and were used until approximately 2001.
The labels came in two versions — clear transparent or opaque white background — with the words "Vetri Murano" and the logo "VM" printed in black. Crucially, each label carried a numerical code identifying the specific glasshouse (fornace) that produced the piece.
This makes VM-labelled pieces highly traceable. If you find one of these labels on a vintage piece, the number tells you exactly who made it:
| Code | Fornace / Maker |
|---|---|
| 001 | Carlo Moretti |
| 002 | Venini |
| 003 | Cristalleria Santi |
| 004 | Vetreria Lag S.R.L. (Melogranoblu) |
| 006 | Salviati & C. |
| 007 | Barovier & Toso |
| 008 | Mandruzzato |
| 010 | Zanetti Murano |
| 012 | Firme di Vetro SpA (includes brands IB Itre and Aureliano Toso 1938) |
| 014 | AV Mazzega |
| 016 | Vetreria Effe Due Murano |
| 018 | Sent Glass Studio (Guglielmo Sent) — unconfirmed |
| 019 | Bucella Cristalli |
| 021 | Anfora di Ferro Renzo |
| 022 | Effetre Murano Srl |
| 023 | Effetre International Srl |
| 024 | Pagnin & Bon and/or Barbini |
| 027 | F.lli Barbini Snc |
| 029 | Possibly Barovier & Toso — unconfirmed |
| 030 | Bisazza Vetro Srl — unconfirmed |
| 034 | Possibly Ferro & Lazzarini — unconfirmed |
| 035 | Gianni Seguso |
| 037 | Salvadori |
| 038 | Salvadori (also attributed to Archimede Seguso and Gambaro & Poggi) |
| 039 | Gambaro & Poggi |
| 040 | Lip Murano — includes designs by Marcello Furlan and Pino Signoretto |
| 041 | Formia (now Fornace Mian) |
| 043 | Vetri Artistici Arte'80 (Renato Anatra) |
| 044 | Vetreria Artistica Oball |
| 045 | Cenedese |
| 048 | Leucos and Artemide |
| 055 | La Vetreria Bibierre |
| 056 | Cenedese |
Note: Some entries remain unconfirmed and are based on labelled examples shared by collectors in Murano glass study groups. Entries marked "unconfirmed" are awaiting verification with physical label examples.
Fornace (Glasshouse) Labels
Beyond the VM and VAM systems, many Murano pieces carry a label identifying the fornace — the glasshouse or studio where they were made. Famous names to look out for include:
- Venini — one of the most prestigious and collectible Murano studios, founded in 1921
- Barovier & Toso — one of the oldest glassmaking families on Murano, dating back to the 14th century
- Seguso — renowned for sculptural and lighting pieces
- Vistosi — known for bold mid-century modern designs
- Mazzega — celebrated for large-scale chandeliers and pendant lights
Artist Signatures
Some pieces are signed directly on the glass — either engraved, etched, or written in enamel paint — by the master glassblower (maestro) who created them. Signed pieces are rarer and typically more valuable, as they can be attributed to a specific artist's hand.
"Made in Italy" vs "Murano, Italy"
This distinction matters more than most buyers realise. A label reading "Made in Italy" simply means the piece was produced somewhere in Italy — it does not confirm Murano origin. A label reading "Murano, Italy" or "Murano Glass" is a stronger indicator, though it is not legally protected in the same way as the Vetro Artistico® trademark.
No Label — Does That Mean It's Fake?
Not necessarily. Many authentic vintage Murano pieces have lost their original labels over decades of use, handling, and cleaning. In these cases, authenticity is assessed through other means: the quality of the glasswork, the techniques used (such as millefiori, sommerso, or filigrana), the weight and feel of the glass, and provenance documentation if available.
At Vintage Glass Gems, every piece we source is carefully evaluated for authenticity — label or no label.
What to Look for When Buying
- ✅ Vetro Artistico® Murano holographic sticker (post-2002)
- ✅ Vetri Murano (VM) numbered label (1981–2001) — check the code against the list above
- ✅ Named fornace label (Venini, Barovier, Seguso, etc.)
- ✅ Artist or maestro signature on the glass
- ✅ "Murano, Italy" label (stronger than "Made in Italy")
- ✅ Consistent quality: rich colour depth, smooth finish, and techniques consistent with the period
Understanding these markers helps you buy with confidence — and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every piece of genuine Murano glass.
