Forgotten women? Forgotten jewellery? Let's Fix That.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling – The Story of Giulietta Barovier
In a previous non jewellery making life, I graduated with a degree in Italian and spent a very happy time living in Italy and making the most of such a beautiful country. I loved a short train's ride away from Venice and consequently spent a lot of time exploring the canals and incidentally have never been so cold in my life as I was in February in St Mark's Square! Murano, a small island off Venice, has been the centre of glassmaking for centuries. Its artisans were highly skilled, their techniques guarded as closely as state secrets and for most of its history, glassblowing was strictly a male profession, but one woman managed to make her mark in this prestigious craft. As it is International Women's Day this week, I thought it would be interesting to look at this woman in what detail there is still existing.
Giulietta Barovier: The Woman Behind the Beads
In the 15th century, Murano was the centre of glassmaking, its artisans protected by laws that forbade them from leaving Venice, ensuring the secrets of their craft remained exclusive to the city. Women, however, were largely excluded from this prestigious trade. Glassblowing was considered a man’s profession, controlled by guilds that only allowed men to train and become maestri (master glassmakers). The work was physically demanding, requiring strength and endurance, but more than that, it was an exclusive trade passed from father to son. Women were expected to focus on domestic roles, and even within glassmaking families, they were usually limited to bookkeeping or decorative arts. Despite these restrictions, Giulietta Barovier, a member of the famed Barovier glassmaking dynasty, became known for her exquisite craftsmanship.
Despite these restrictions, Giulietta Barovier, a member of the famed Barovier glassmaking dynasty, became known for her exquisite craftsmanship. She is particularly celebrated for her work with millefiori beads—delicate, patterned glass beads that resemble tiny blooming flowers. These vibrant and intricate creations became highly prized across Europe, showcasing the artistry and precision required to produce them.
While history has not preserved every detail of Giulietta’s life, her impact remains visible in the enduring beauty of Murano’s millefiori glass. In a time when women were rarely recognised as master artisans, she carved a space for herself in a male-dominated industry, proving that talent and artistry could transcend tradition.
Women, Jewellery, and Craftsmanship
Giulietta Barovier’s story is just one example of how women throughout history have used jewellery and craftsmanship to express themselves, assert their skills, and challenge conventions. From the suffragettes wearing symbolic jewellery in their fight for equality to Frida Kahlo’s deeply personal adornments, women have long found ways to make powerful statements through the pieces they wear and create.
Jewellery isn’t just decoration—it’s storytelling, history, and identity woven into metal, glass, and gemstones. And sometimes, the pieces we own have stories waiting to be rediscovered.
Time to Rediscover Your Own Treasures
This week, I’ve been repairing a beautiful pair of Venetian glass earrings, and it got me thinking—how many of us have forgotten treasures tucked away in our jewellery boxes? Perhaps a pair of earrings missing their hooks, a necklace in need of a new chain, or a sentimental piece that just needs a little care to be wearable again.
If you have earrings you haven’t worn in years, why not take them out for a fresh look? Sometimes, all they need is a simple repair—new ear wires, a polish, or a small adjustment—and they’ll be as beautiful as ever.
If you’d like to give your old jewellery a new lease of life, bring it into the shop, and let’s see how we can restore its beauty together. And if you’re curious to learn more about Giulietta Barovier and the incredible world of Murano glass, I’d love to hear your thoughts! I'm sure there is a Tracey Chevalier book about women glass blowers - can anyone remind me of the title or tell me a good novel on this subject?
