Hi All:
We head to Italy for two weeks on Friday. This trip is part of our 25th anniversary celebration. I would like to purchase an anniversary ring while we are in Italy, perhaps it will be a little more special. We will visit Venice, Florence, San Gimignano and some other hill towns in Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Rome. Can you recommend a shop in one of the cities we will visit? I am thinking something in the 700-800 euro range.
Thanks
The Gold Corner, Piazza Santa Croce 15r, Firenze. Gold Corner by Traci is an active online Facebook page. Go there now to view some of the Italian Gold stock in their big store. See somethings you like, simply ask them for prices in Euro and Dollars via Facebook. Start comparing prices now before you leave. Be clear that you want 18 Carat Italian Gold and Not gold plated. They will reply within 24 hours. They also ship to the US via Fedex or UPS. They also tour a Trunk Show in the US at Christmastime.
Ponte Vecchio of course, the Old Bridge over the Arno River at Firenze is legendary for Italian Gold. You just have to walk up and down both sides of the Bridge to windowshop and compare prices. Prices do vary somewhat so don't be shy about talking to the shop workers about jewelry you like. There won't be wide swings in prices, but some shops are a bit more or less than others. Also be clear you want 18 Carat Italian Gold and not gold plated. Be sure to give Ponte Vecchio time as a lot of Gold shops line both sides of the Old Bridge.
Firenze is considered the Mecca for 18 Carat Italian Gold, but you will find Gold shops everywhere you go. Google now for their names and addresses at the cities and towns you will visit. For example, I'm half Adriatico and sometimes find the same jewelry in smalI towns on the East Coast that I saw at Ponte Vecchio or the Gold Corner, and sometimes given a price comparable or a tad better. Or I may see pieces I never saw at Firenze. So it's worth exploring Gold Shops everywhere you go.
I got my first 18 Carat Italian Gold piece from my Mother 40 years ago, an exquisite necklace. She bought it at San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatico, near Porto D' Asco where she grew up. I've since added earrings and bracelets. Gold shopping in Italy is a High and enables you to experience the best of Italian culture on the street.
If you are going to spend that kind of money, I would suggest bring a jeweler's eye piece to close exam the ring. Even if you do not know how to use it well, just pulling it out causes a reaction from the seller. They are now concerned that you might be an expert. We have bought lesser jewelry over the years and the eye piece always sets a different tone to the negotiations.
