Italy's gold industry capitals are Arezzo, just 45 miles southeast of Florence, or Vicenza, one hour west of Venice. If you plan a stop there, that is where you should buy gold. Otherwise Florence would be your next best choice after Arezzo and Vicenza. I have no names to suggest and I'm no expert. There are more gold stores in Florence and Arezzo than women with breast implants in Hollywood. Just walk around and you'll bump into one. There is a gold store every 100 feet in Florence downtown (on the Ponte Vecchio there are nothing but gold stores, end to end, one next to the other on both sides).
My local guide in Florence said that the worst place to buy gold was on the Ponte Vecchio. She said there is a single owner for all the stores on the bridge so they are not competitive and the prices are higher than just about anywhere else. Italian gold is 18 karat. Most gold jewelry in the U.S. is 14 karat. That alone makes Italian gold significantly more expensive. Jewelers can tell the difference just by looking, I can't. If you are planning on a serious (aka large) purchase, go to a couple of local jewelers before you leave and get an idea of what prices are. Work up a conversation and ask their opinions. At least you'll be better able to determine if you are getting a bargain, a fair price, or ripped off.
Vicenza is home to the worlds largest gold jewellery expo, VicenzaOroFirst. There are a number of other big VicenzaOro (Vicenza gold)jewellery shows that take place throughout the year mostly targetingwholesale buyers but they are not nearly as important as VicenzaOroFirst.
14k and 18k gold jewelry has a higher percentage of gold than jewelry pieces that are 10k, which in turn makes it more valuable. Since pure gold is incredibly malleable, gold jewelry has to be mixed with other metals to make it durable enough to adorn your finger or form that fabulous necklace chain.
18k gold jewelry is 75% gold and 25% alloy, which gives it the rich, luxury tone that Italian gold prides itself on. Also, if you have an allergy to alloys, 18k gold jewelry is a hypoallergenic option.
14k gold jewelry is 58% gold and the remaining percentage is alloy. While it still has the recognizable gold tone we know and love, 14k gold jewelry is more durable than 18k, making it perfectly suited for everyday wear.
The versatility of Italian gold jewelry is that it can be breathtaking with or without gemstones. Whether intricate and ornate or bold and simple, gold jewelry from Italy embodies prestige and luxury and represents the highest quality and stunning elegance.
As a jewelry brand that prides itself on its 18k gold and high-quality diamonds, Chimento says that their jewelry is perfect for women who can recognize the superior quality of an Italian gold jewelry piece and who look for unique pieces to customize their own style.
Italian gold jewelry with gemstones takes luxury to the next level. Warm gemstones like ruby, citrine, and yellow sapphire accentuate the warmth of yellow Italian gold jewelry while cool gemstones like emerald, sapphire, and tanzanite have a stunning contrast that allows the high-quality metal and gemstone to shine to their brightest potential.
After many trial molds, the first MR. ITALY PENDANT was made out of a  ounce solid block of 18 Karat Italian gold. Alex then hammered the molded gold into the shape of the Italy. I then commissioned three more and gave one to each of my sons and one to my paisano John Davi, the Godfather of Monterey. Each MR. ITALY PENDANT is hand hammered and a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
Are you looking to update your jewelry collection? Whether you want a dramatic statement piece or something classic you can wear every day, gold jewelry is always a great choice. However, you have to make sure you're getting the right kind.
Italian gold jewelry is famous for its high quality and unique design. Not sure how to know if you're getting the real thing? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buying designer Italian gold jewelry.
Italy is known around the world as the place to go for beautiful, luxurious jewelry of all kinds. Italian gold jewelry is particularly renowned, however, for its distinct color and quality. The country processes 500 tons of fine gold for jewelry production every year!
No matter which area you buy from, though, you can be assured that your Italian jewelry was created by a master. In Italy, everyone who wants to make jewelry must first apprentice with a master goldsmith. Oftentimes, these master artisans pass down their trade secrets from generation to generation, keeping the family business closely guarded to protect these carefully developed processes. Because they learn from the best, all of Italy's jewelry makers know how to make pieces that are truly special.
14 karat gold jewelry is the most common gold jewelry sold in the U.S. Italian gold jewelry is usually 18 karats or more, which explains why it is often a bit more expensive than pieces made in the U.S.
When determining how pure your gold jewelry is, you should take your lifestyle into account. Yes, 24 karat gold is the purest, but it is also softer and more prone to scratches and damage. If you want to wear your jewelry every day, a slightly less pure gold might be the better option for you.
In addition to European markings, your gold jewelry will also include a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker and -- sometimes -- its country of origin. If your jewelry is over 100 years old, it will likely not include a hallmark, so you'll need to have it tested for gold content before you buy it.
Some jewelry also includes a marking that indicates it contains other metals. It might have the letters "GF" inscribed to mean gold-filled, of "GP" to mean gold plated. "Pd" means that the base metal of the jewelry is Palladium, "PT" and "PLAT" both mean platinum, and "SS" and "STEEL" both mean stainless steel.
Now that you know a little more about what to consider when buying designer Italian gold jewelry, it's time to start shopping! At Roma Designer Jewelry, we have a variety of high-quality pieces for you to choose from.
In addition to gold jewelry, you can find beautiful cameos in Naples. Cameos are intricate designs carved from shells, which are then incorporated into pendants. The best place to find cameos is in the coastal community of Torre del Greco, situated southeast of central Naples at the base of Mt. Vesuvius.
One of the oldest localities in Athens, Plaka sits in the shadows of the famous Acropolis. The area is famous for its cafes and restaurants. However, it also houses some of the best shops in the city for jewelry and gift shopping. Need to pick something for everyone back home? Visit Plaka. One of the most popular shops here is the Byzantino jewelry store. Please note that gold is pretty cheap in Greece, due to its burdened economy which is a blessing in disguise for the tourists visiting the country. Afterall, what is better than shopping in ancient Greece?
One of the most popular places in Greece, Monastiraki is the go to place for best shopping in Greece. Streets lined up with shops selling everything under the sun, this place is the best for picking up curios for friends and family. Handmade jewelry, different types of fabrics, records, local products, you can find everything here. The market also holds a flea market on weekends where you can find authentic antique pieces at throwaway rates.
Enticed yet? Shopping in Greece is definitely an incentive enough to visit this spectacular place apart from its sandy beaches, sunny towns, and historical buildings. Book your trip today with us to have the best experience in your budget!
Santa Fe has a unique culture that blends Native American with Hispanic traditions, which is reflected in the jewelry masterpieces created and sold here. The most unique place to shop for jewelry in this artsy small city is downtown at the Plaza of the Governors. This is part of a government program that brings in authorized vendors from pueblos throughout New Mexico to sell their jewelry and other crafts. Not only can you find amazing turquoise jewelry here, but also nearby booths with brightly colored blankets, western wear, pottery, and artwork.
The woman-owned and -operated brand Catbird makes its jewelry entirely in-house at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. With more than 40 fairly paid jewelers and artisans on-site, the team crafts dainty, delicate, and stunning pieces of jewelry for everyday wear and beyond, as well as stocking other artisan jewelry like engagement and wedding rings. All pieces use recycled gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced stones. Plus, the Catbird Giving Fund donates one percent of all sales (not just profits!) to organizations like the ACLU and the Food Bank of New York City.
For fine jewelry that will last forever, consider NoÃmie. This luxury brand works directly with makers in Los Angeles and Bangkok for the most gorgeous pieces that involve conflict-free diamonds, AAA gemstones, and recycled 18K gold. By shipping directly to you, NoÃmie cuts down on costs so many collections are substantially cheaper than other brand-named jewelry stores. While the pieces are still an investment, NoÃmie offers financing options, free lifetime warranties, and custom designs for the sustainable jewelry of your dreams.
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