Italian gold jewelry

The most important cities in Italy for goldsmithing are Florence and Vicenza, where are located the schools for this art, even if good artisans can be found in every city. On Ponte Vecchio in Florence there are several sellers and producers: I have no idea if the prices are higher (being the most touristic corner of Italy) than other places, but the quality level is absolutely high and of course is real gold.

For what it's worth, I once received great advice from my jeweler here in the States. His take was: If you find a piece of jewelry that you love; it's within your budget; you want it as a remembrance for your trip, then go ahead and make the purchase. But don't be angry or disappointed if you later discover that it may not be authentic or worth the price that you paid for the piece, just enjoy what you bought. That is how I approach every jewelry purchase that I make when on a trip.

I think the advice from TravelBug79 is very wise, and that's what I would follow if it was me.

If you want to eliminate some types of fake or mixed gold, you could carry a small magnet with you. Real gold will not adhere to a magnet, although the magnet won't tell you whether it's 18k or 14k or whatever. (Of course the vendor may be insulted if you are seen testing the gold with the magnet, so you should take that into consideration...)

See, for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPIw8PQ8fI0

I regret not having budgeted or seriously thought to buy a piece of jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio. Nothing matches the Italian baroque type jewelry. As above, buy it because you love it.

but there must be ways to get reviews or recommendations for the shops. I wonder if a hotel concierge will give an honest recommendation or one with a kickback? I tend to be a trusting sort, however.

No firsthand experience with jewelry but this previous thread from a couple years ago might have some useful information...although not all of it involves gold:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/jewelry-in-italy

This is the article Roberto linked in English:

https://www.italiantalks.com/fashion/the-finest-jewellers-in-florence/

So lovely. Many years ago, my mother always came home from Italy with a gorgeous piece from a shop in Rome where she became friends with the designer/ owner. These are now being passed down to my daughters-in-law.
Perhaps Ricky can confirm: one shop on the Ponte Vecchio still has its workshop above the store.

37 years ago after getting married in Rome we purchased my wedding band from a shop on the Ponte Vecchio. I have always loved the intricate setting---sort of a ropy diamond pave setting and I have received tons of compliments. The 18 carat gold is just beautiful and back then we just popped into a shop because we loved the piece. .Luckily the ring was worth even more then what we paid after getting back to the states and having it appraised. I can't help you with the quality of jewelry now but 3 years ago we were back on the Ponte Vecchio window shopping and I almost bought another piece but it was out of my budget. Now I wish I had---the uniqueness of the piece was priceless. If I was you and you see something special go for it! Like the Travel Bug said buy because you love it and every time you wear it you will remember your wonderful trip to Italy. Have a wonderful trip.

I purchased a beautiful pendant and chain in Florence that I enjoy wearing very much.

Keep in mind most items sold to tourists these days are from China. For instance, a lot of that "Murano" glass is anything but.

Unless you're an expert in jewelry, as noted above, buy it because you like it and don't expect it to be "as described" or of anything but sentimental value. I've heard one scam is to have just one link that is actually what it says it is, and the label is attached to that one link. So technically true but ...

FWIW, some 10 years ago I took a walking tour of Florence with an excellent guide. She said not to buy gold on the Ponte Vecchio, that all the shops were owned by the same company and prices were inflated.

I would not hesitate to buy gold in Italy, although I would probably avoid the super touristy areas (more for the mark up than getting ripped off).

My husband's Italian family here in Canada always buys jewelry in Italy (or has it made by their Italian jeweler friend). If you go to Lucca, I suggest Gioielleria Carli, at via Fillungo 95 (this is the main shopping street of Lucca, right in the centre of the city). Since at the 1950s, my extended family has spent many 10s of thousands of dollars here (they give gold for every occasion, what can I say). The store has been there since the 1600s apparently. There are other shops on the Via Fillungo, and I would trust them all. Lucca is also very good for leather products.

Another store that I see they shop a lot at (based on my little boxes) is Michele Marchi, at Piazza S Michele 2 (1 block off the via Fillungo). They also have a location at Forte dei Marmi, if you take a seaside stop.

feng shui power service post reported for webmaster review for off topic and hazardous link

Yes, many of the Ponte Vecchio shops have the same owner. Not sure how much price inflation there may be. But I will say I bought a ring there in 2007 which I have worn virtually every day since & it’s still looking beautiful!