Murano Glass Pendant.

I bought this lovely piece of jewellery in a flea market in Colorado Springs, although I have seen some on sale here. It is about 2 ins long. Handcrafted Murano glass is made primarily on the Venetian Island of Murano but believed to have originated in Rome in the 8th century before arriving at the major trading port of Venice. In 1291, fearing fire and destruction of the city's mainly wooden structures, the glassmakers were ordered to move their foundries to Murano Island. Although they had many privileges, the glassmakers were not allowed to leave and the exportation of the professional secret was punishable by death. They are famous for their chandeliers and there are now foundries all over the world that make this special glass.