christy920

Hello everyone,

I have been reading some of the messages this past week and can't wait to experience Italy! I am going on May 20th for 2 weeks and upon my return, I too, will post my trip report. I loved reading IRA's report. Great suggestions!
I love 18kt of gold and would like to know if anyone has any idea where to buy Gold in Italy. I'll be in Milan, Genoa, Portofino, Florance and Rome.

Regards
Christy

m_kingdom2

18 carat gold rarely exists in Italy, if we're talking about locally made quality jewellery.

The Italians use either 15 or 19 carat, which of course creates a noticeably more yellow coloured gold (if we're talking yellow gold here).

You'll stumble across lots of jewellers, look for quality, and also see if the clients are Italians or all tourists. You're best to go for quality contemporary design, local of course. BVLGARI, I wouldn't bother with, it is too international, and really doesn't warrant the money they charge for the ugly pieces - the very top end of their range 250kUSD plus is much more delicate and attractive, but I digress...

hopscotch

As I recall Italian gold is stamped with the percent gold as parts per thousand. I.e., 18 carat would be stamped 750.

m_kingdom2

You are correct in saying that, but it equates to 15/19 carat which has much richer tones than American/UK jewellery.

Singletail

18 carat gold means that it is 18 parts gold and 6 parts "other metal" which is not the same as "15 carat" or "19 carat." You'd do well to know what you are buying and look for some sort of mark on the piece. I agree you won't find as much 18 carat in "ready-made" pieces but that may also depend on where you shop.

In terms of the Bulgari comment, beauty is, obviously, in the eye of the beholder.

jame

When I was in Italy, I bought a wonderful 18 karat gold ring in Florence at C.O.I., which is a wholesale jeweler off the Piazza Signoria. I just checked and they have a website http://www.coi-firenze.it/coi_uk/menu.html. When I bought my ring, they gave me 20% off for buying in cash (fortunately, there was an ATM right down the block from the store!).

kybourbon

Gold color can be from the base metal mixed with the gold. Therefore 14K can be in a variety of colors(example white gold).
24K-999
22K-916
18K-750
14K-585
10K-417
In the US you can't sell anything less than 10K but in the UK you can sell 9K.
Different countries have different rules.
In Europe the gold will have the 750 makrings not the 18K as that is usually export markings for the US etc. Just make sure what you buy has a gold marking so you aren't getting sold something that isn't even gold. Find something you love and buy it!

rhkkmk

you will see shops all over italy selling gold...forget all the talk above about K as for an american there is 14 and 18K....mostly you will see 18K or the equivalent in italy in any quality store...

the ponte vecchio, a bridge that spans the river, is loaded with gold and jewerly stores in florence...they have been there for generations...its a good place to look and buy...

LaurenSKahn

There are tons of places to buy gold in Florence. Just make sure you buy from a reputable place. I got some earings there the last time I went. While it was several years ago, I am certain the gold shops are still in business.

You might also want to have a look at leather goods places in Florence as well.

Please note, the dollar is not worth much right now in relation to the euro. There probably will not be any bargains.

kybourbon

I sell jewelry but I don't usually buy overseas. I do look at pieces when I am traveling and at the markings and most of what I see are the European markings of 750 or 585.I thought the prices on the Ponte Vecchio were too high and the exchange rate doesn't help.

Queenie

All gold in Italy is 18k or higher or it is not legally allowed to be called gold. It is everywhere.

It will be marked with a stamp of 750.
It does have a more yellow , greenish appearance. It is wonderful, but softer than 14K (585).

I agree with the above poster, with the ppor exchange to the dollar, there are few bargains.

nanb

the store I love going to the most in Rome is Capuano .
It is on the corner of Via Veneto and Via Lombardia.The owner is a very lovely lady, and they have a design that is found only in their store, jewelry based on the design of an ivy leaf. Her father created it for her mother.

Have fun!