Hi Sara,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Murano chandeliers became popular for a mix of craftsmanship, beauty, and cultural prestige. Murano (an island near Venice) has been a major glassmaking center since the 1200s. Its artisans developed crystal-clear glass (cristallo), brilliant colors from metal oxides and techniques like blown glass, filigree, reticello, gold leaf inclusions, and lampworking, Chandeliers showcased these skills spectacularly, almost like hanging sculptures.

Traditional chandeliers (especially in the Baroque and Rococo periods) were made of heavy metal or stone-cut crystal. Murano glass, by contrast, was lightweight but strong and capable of being shaped into elaborate organic forms. This allowed the creation of airy, flowing arms, flowers, leaves, birds, fruits, and other motifs that were not possible elsewhere.

Chandeliers were made by many different studios in Murano, all working in largely similar styles and I'm not drawing any attributes to a specific shop. It's hard to tell from the photos but this is probably from the 1950s - other six-light chandeliers from this vintage come to auction from time to time and when they do, they usually sell for fair-market prices ranging from $1,000-2,000

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Murano blown glass six-light chandelier
mid 20th Century
With tall scrolling leaves and curved arms, hung with faceted pendant drops.
23 inches tall, 21 inches diameter
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 1,000-2,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia