I would like to buy my wife a nice surprise 40th wedding anniversary gift (June) while we are in Venice. I plan to present it to her onboard our cruise to Athens as I have planned a surprise vow exchange service on board ship. I would like it to be appropriate gift for the region and I'm budgeting $500 for this gift (not a lot but better than nothing & because the trip is eating deeply into the budget so it will have to do). I hate jewelry and I have no ability to make an appropriate choice without some input from others who know what the Venice marketplace has to offer and prepare me for the choices I must make. My first thought is that it should be wearable around the neck but I’m not locked in on any thing yet. The second part of that problem is “where?” should I shop? I could always depend on the luck of shopping but I believe preparation improves the end result of everything I do.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
oh my gosh, you are almost too good to be true!!
Anyway.... I think you can never go wrong with a gorgeous piece of jewelry.
Actually, though, I was wondering something similar (so instead of starting a new topic maybe we can keep it in one). I want to buy myself some Italian gold when I am there, maybe earrings or a bracelet and if anyone knew of specifically good places to go where the prices will be fair for good quality stuff (I know Venice is expensive and I am going to Florence and Rome too, in that order so if anyone has any suggestions on which city is best as well, I'd love to hear that).
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Venice has many lovely stores with all kinds of accessories and jewelry -- many of them have necklaces, earings, etc. made of Murano glass also, which are unique. I was so intrigued by these I did not really check out the wares in the "real" jewelry stores, but there are many of these lining the plaza San Marco. I would guess they are quite pricey, but I think you should be able to find something wonderful there that will do the trick.
Good Luck.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
To Debra, Florence is famous for its gold jewelry. (Florentine Gold) Check the Ponte Vechicco!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Thanks Betty!! Maybe I will just have to shop wisely in other places to be able to buy myself something made of glass in Venice and gold in Florence ;)
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I agree with Betty the Murano glass pieces are just stunning. I was there a month or so ago and stayed in Accademia and there were lots of places in this area. If you get off the vaporetto at this stop and go left then right and turn left into the first street there were lots of shops in this street. I can't remember the name of the street but there was a lovely jewelry shop on the corner and more further down the street. I think it would be a lovely gift as it will always remind you both of your time there. I'm sure you will find something in your price range.
Posted by
OP
woodbridge, va
25 posts
You guys just hit a nerve. Just so happens that my wife is into crystal & has a small collection. The nerve you hit was attached to my wallet and now my eyes are beginning to cross. Once that clears I may be able to say thanks for what would otherwise be consider "good thinking".
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
Seriously Jim, your wallet will be just fine! I did look at a couple of necklaces when I was there and they were well within your budget. Come on, just think of all the brownie points you will score.
Posted by
OP
woodbridge, va
25 posts
I took a look at the Murano web site and it made a believer out of me. Your recommendation was an absolute BULL’S-EYE! The real issue is now self control?
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
191 posts
It took everything I had in me not to blow my budget in Venice. There are so many beautiful things to buy and I got a lot. My favortie place to shop was on the Rialto bridge the bridge is lined with all kinds of shops with some of the most beautiful jewlery, in addition to murono glass which is beautiful and locally made, Venice is also famous for Cameo's they make beautiful necklaces and are coming back in style. As a side note a traditional gift for a 40th anniversary is ruby, you may be able to find a necklace with one and make it extra special because your sticking with old traditions!
Posted by
Hayden, ID
196 posts
While the surprise idea is VERY thoughtful, unless you know her likes/dislikes well, why not "surprise" her w/ the offer to go shopping for a morning or afternoon so she can pick out something she will not only treasure but wear a lot. You could buy a lovely card and enclose a shopping "IOU" certificate (make it yourself or get a generic gift certificate and fill in appropriately). Congratulations!