I am one of four ladies headed for Rome and Florence on November 1st. I have heard that there is great shopping for leather and gold in Florence but I have also noticed numerous remarks about gold being overpriced. What is the real scoop on gold prices and does anyone have suggestions about where to shop in either city. I would love to do some Christmas shopping. Thanks for any suggestions.

Linda, just do a search here on Fodors and you should come up with some good advice. I just bought some gold in Sorrento and love it, don't just look for the cheapest jewelry but the loveliest and most unusual, then see if you can afford it.

Use the Russian rule of shopping - if you love it and can afford it but it. I have bought lovely & interesting jewellery in Florence and Rome. In Florence I find it a bit more touristy,after a while the shops all looked the same. Also Florence is a Northern town, so the clothing is a smidge more conservative. I prefer Rome for shoe, handbag, clothes etc.- it is a bigger city so the selection and price are better. Also remember Italians love to bargain - even if you are in the chicest jewellery store. Obviously, designer chains like Fendi, Ferragamo etc. have fixed prices. November is a good time to shop because it's just after shoulder season and before x-mas.<BR><BR>PS The leather jackets in the markets are not the best quality.<BR><BR>Happy shopping!

We found great prices on gold jewelery at the Vatican in Rome,and on Ponte Vecchio in Florence.Happy Shopping,it is wonderful.

I bought both a leather jacket and a gold ring in Florence 2 years ago. The jacket was about $250 but is the softest leather you have ever felt - I don't regret it for a minute. I have never found equal quality in the US. The gold ring was a good price but I bought it because it is unusual design (but simple). I can't remember the store I bought it at, but it was on one of the major shopping streets near the river.<BR><BR>I have heard Sorrento is good as well, but I'd say - if you want something, get it!

Florence's Ponte Vecchio indeed has fantastic jewerly and some of it is surprisingly affordable. I found a lovely antique cameo pendant/broche there at a fraction of the cost I would ahve paid here in the States. The shop was about two thirds of the way accross the bridge (coming from the museum side)and it was run by this sweet little older lady, whom I suspect was also the owner. The shop was called Annamaria Formiglia (sp?). I did not speak much Italian and she spoke no English but somehow we communicated well and she gave me a whole training course on the artistry and history of cameo-making--and I think a discount on my purchase, for being a good sport and trying to speak her language. It was a delightful part of my trip!