Fashions come and Fashions go, very few trends stand the test of time. Gold ornaments and jewelry encased gemstones were as trendy and fashionable in ancient times as they are today, much of their attraction derives from the value of the materials they are made from. But there are some things, made from simple, humble materials, that stand the test of time due to the high quality and uniqueness of the craftsmanship that goes into their making. Venetian glass, and Venetian glass jewelry fall into this category. Using just sand, soda ash, and the odd bit of metal oxides to add a splash of color, Venice's glass workers have been making fashionable glass wares for hundreds of years.

Often known as Murano glass, from the the name of the Venetian island where the glass industry is based, decorative and ornamental Venetian glass has a history that goes back to the 12th Century. Still hand-made using traditional techniques, the distinctive style and quality has an instant appeal that makes it as popular and fashionable today as it was in the heyday of the Venetian Republic.

One of the best known styles of Venetian glass jewelry is Millefiori, which means 'a thousand flowers' in Italian. The style in its classic presentation is characterized by small colorful flower petal patterns embedded into the glass in circular arrangements. Disks of Millefiore patterned glass are often fashioned into necklace pendants, and they are as fashionable today as they were centuries ago.

Millefiori patterns are made from a rod of glass, with the pattern running length-wise. Slices are cut off the rod to get the distinctive patterned disks used for pendants. By drawing the rod out, the glass makers can scale down the design as small as they want. In recent times many craftsmen have been using this technique to make small Millefiori disks which are then crafted into earings, they have become a very trendy item.

It's not just Venetian glass Jewelry that has stood the test of time, Venetian glass ornaments have continually evolved to follow fashion trends. In the 15th Century, Venice's crasftsmen were making the best mirrors in the world with decorative glass frames, and that led to making decorative glass picture frames. By the early 20th Century, glass photo frames in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles were considered terribly hic. And so the story continues, with modern day Venice lampworkers who continue to produce picture frames designed for modern photo formats and with contemporary designs that are every bit as popular as they have ever been.

Sometimes it's the use of the item that changes with fashion trends. There was a time when Venetian glass plates and tableware would grace the dining tables of the world’s finest houses and palaces. In modern times Venetian plates, tableware and fruit bowls are just as popular as ever, but they are far more likely to stand on a dressing table, fireplace mantle, or hang on a wall as an elegant decorative item.

There is a saying that quality never goes out of style. The enduring popularity of Venetian glass ornaments and Venetian glass jewelry is a proof that the saying is true.