Diamond Earrings in Florence

I suggest no ;-)

I wouldn't think you can expect any great deals in Europe these days. Don't go expecting bargain shopping. There may be some exceptions; razor blades are dirt cheap in Germany.

If you want a memento of your trip, and see something you really love and can afford, buy it. When people compliment you on your earrings you can say you bought them in Florence (or Paris, Rome, etc.).

I'd caution about wearing expensive jewelry in major tourist areas. Thieves frequent the major tourist hubs and expensive jewelry invites them to take a closer look at you. My personal choice would be if you buy expensive earrings, tuck them away safely until you get home.

Thanks Brad. Good advice.

The Ponte Vecchio has some nice shops along it — it has traditionally always be lined with gold and silver shops along the bridge — but I would not expect bargains there for the nicer offerings.

I bought a small Tree of Life white gold pendant for 140 euro. I looked for cheaper options in multiple other shops and while there were plenty of similar pendants made with cheaper materials (also generally larger, gaudier, or less sturdy) that was the winner. I thought hard about taking the nicest ‘second option’ for 50 euro but simply put, quality just sometimes wins out.

I did not wear it while in Italy and it stayed in my secured purse in its box rather than leaving it in my hotel room. It was a pretty large sum for me. But I have no regrets now as it gets quite a bit of wear!

Splurge if you want to, can afford to, and find something you like.

Good thoughts. Thanks Laura.

Remember, you are paying a higher VAT on items you buy in Italy. Why would you want to buy them there instead of in your home town?

Antwerp is known as the diamond cutting city of Europe. Florence was known for artisan goldsmiths. However, today the artists shops on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence are all parts of chains or corporations with gold jewelry fashioned off-site, except for one surviving artist.

Thanks Bets.

I actually have good luck finding unique jewelry in museum and national park gift shops, whether it's the shops having good buyers or local artists who are allowed to have a few cases in the shops.