Thanks to everyone's help, my plans for my days in Florence following my Tuscany cycling trip are shaping up nicely. I was wondering if any of you have any recommendations for specific stores in Florence -- particularly for jewelry and leather (bags and shoes). Rather than just walk into one of the jewelry stores off the Ponte Vecchio, I'd love to go to one that has been recommended for its quality merchandise and honest proprieters. Many thanks in advance!

--Nicole

Nicole-

My most favorite ( and this is subjective) is S.Vaggi-there are 2 stores ==one in the middle of the Ponte Vecchio on the left side if you are walking from the Pitti Palace to the Duomo...and the bigger main store is at the end of the Ponte Vecchio on the Duomo side...

Ask for Roberto- he is the owner...and if you are looking for something specifically, you can fax him your request..he will answer---

Here is the website...

http://www.pontevecchio.net/protagonisti.html

I have found the most AWESOME things there-- and the prices have always appraised at 3 x what I bought them....

The leather gloves at the Madova shop, to the left when you come off the Ponte Vecchio toward Pitti Palace, are lovely and come in a gazillion colors and styles.

One place that we have been to twice in Florence is THE LEATHER SCHOOL. It is located in the Santa Croce Church where Michaelango is buried.

You walk in the church and go to the far right corner. You will see a sign for the school. It has nice quality leather goods. My wife bought a great purse. They will also put gold initials on any item you want at no charge. I had my initials put inside a belt. My wife had hers put inside the purse and we did some gift items also. Check it out.

Thanks, everyone, for all the great shopping suggestions! I am taking copious notes and can see that this is likely to be one expensive trip!

--Nicole