Over 3 weeks we're going to be in Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Taormina and Palermo. Can anyone direct me to a good place to buy gold and/or pearls? Is the Rialto bridge in Florence a place to go or avoid?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Are you looking for bargains or are you looking for variety? The Rialto bridge (which is in Venice, not Florence) is geared to the tourist market, as is the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge in Florence. I can't imagine you'd find good deals there but they might have a lot to choose from.
Posted by
OP
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
161 posts
Michael. You're right. I was thinking of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Posted by
California
492 posts
If you are looking for good jewelry, I don't think those are the right places. I look but I don't buy there as the shops are geared for tourists as posted above. On the other hand, if you find something you really love, and is willing to pay the price......
Posted by
Houston, TX, USA
6 posts
In Florence, on the corner by the church, Santa Croce, is a terrific and nice jewelery shop. They are fair and honest. Our tour guide also tooks us to a shop called Coi; I don't know if you have to have an insider take you. We had to ring the bell on the street to be allowed in and only a few customers at a time were there. Excellent pieces and prices, though.