Toledo Damascene (and leather)...

I am not knowledgeable about jewelry and therefore can't help with that part of your questions. I guess that many stores in Toledo are for tourists and therefore either overpriced or not authentic.

However, there are a few good shoe stores in Madrid. Do you need tailored made shoes, comfort shoes (problematic feet), fashionable shoes, ...etc? I know of certain good ones in Mallorca and Menorca.

I know the brand Pikolinos are made in Spain. Spain is also famous for the original espadrilles. I purchased a pair for my granddaughter.

As for the Damascene jewelry, it is best purchased in Toledo where it is made. From what we were told in several shops, they do not use gold, too expensive. At least we couldn’t find any. We purchased a few pieces from a lovely, small shop on one of the shopping street. We also purchased a few pieces at the workshop of an artist. I can’t remember the exact place where it was, inside a convent not far from the church. A young man was hawking for them and led us there. We were 4 adults so we weren’t worried about being scammed. We figured if it wasn’t legit looking we would just leave. My husband ended up purchasing a small chef’s knife there too, he’s very happy with it.
Also, there is a lovely gift shop across the street from the cathedral which has some also. Maybe you’ll have better luck finding pure gold pieces.

We purchased our leather pieces in Cordoba.

Damascene jewelry has never been made in "pure" gold. It is basically costume jewelry, but still very beautiful and precious to wear. "Tourists" have been buying this style and decorating with it for hundreds of years!

The tradition is to use steel or another metal, engrave it with intricate designs, then hammer silver or gold foil into all the grooves. The steel is then oxidized to make it look black, which sets off the inlaid designs.

The more tiny the detail, the greater the craftsmanship, and the higher the price. Some pieces cost hundreds of dollars or more due to all the intense labor involved.

If the designs are just painted on, then it is "faux" damascene.

I own a Damascene full-length sword, a letter opener, a plate, as well as a bunch of jewelry. I will be in Toledo this Summer, and I am going to purchase some more items, because I like it so much. My favorites are the birds and dragons, but the flowers and geometric designs are also attractive.

I like to walk around to the different stores and showrooms and see what catches my eye. I am planning on spending a few hours just shopping in Toledo!

As to handmade shoes, it depends on how long you will be in a place. Are you asking them to custom measure your feet and make shoes for you? This is more common for men's shoes. The article below names some of the most famous brands. If you just want to go to some stores and try on shoes, you can find shopping everywhere. Have a great trip, and have fun shopping (I always do!).

https://www.cobbler-union.com/blogs/journal/spanish-shoe-brands

Most souvenir stores in Toledo sell Damascene items. The majority is mass produced offsite and fairly reasonably priced. The last time I was in Toledo, 2014, there were still some stores where you could watch the craftsman making it. Those hand made items will cost more, but will be of a better quality.

This is all wonderful information...thank you very much.
Does anybody know of a specific name or location of an authentic artisan for Damascene? I worry about purchasing 'faux' Damascene only to have the design rub off after a short time (I don't even know if that is a thing!).

As for shoes...my wife has no special needs for shoes, just a passion to support local shoemakers. And, of course, to wear their wares! We will be in Madrid for over a week and we may search some one out their. She would "LOVE" the idea of having a handcrafted she created just for her. She found a place in Lyon that would make her a pair in a couple of days, but she found it on our last day in the city. She had to 'settle' for a pre-made pair of beautiful sandals...but, she's a trooper and suffered through it :-) . The article/link is wonderful and will certainly be a great lead...and the pictures are exactly what my wife imagines!

Thanks to all!

I Googled "shoemaker" on the Madrid Google Maps page and found several good ones with great reviews.
You can contact them prior to arrival to see how long it takes to make a new pair.