Last Updated on July 2, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Florence’s jewelry scene is a treasure trove waiting for you to explore. Top spots like Del Brenna, renowned for its elegant 18k gold designs, and The Gold Corner, specializing in exquisite filigree, are must-visits. Trade the busiest tourist spots for local favorites like Fratelli Piccini, steeped in artisan legacy since 1903 on the Ponte Vecchio. Don’t miss Torrini’s centuries-old craftsmanship. Each store offers unique pieces that tell a story — stick around to uncover what makes them truly special.
Quick Answer
Florence’s best jewelry shopping centers on two areas: the historic goldsmith workshops of the Ponte Vecchio (Fratelli Piccini, Torrini’s original guild) and the Santa Croce district (The Gold Corner, The Gold Market), where you’ll find better prices and more one-on-one service than in the most touristed spots.
Key Takeaways
- Florentine jewelry is almost always 18k gold (75% pure), a step up from the 14k common in the US.
- Fratelli Piccini (1903) and Torrini (1369) are working ateliers with real historical pedigrees, not just marketing stories.
- Non-EU visitors can reclaim a portion of Italy‘s VAT on purchases over roughly €70 through the tax-free shopping process.
- Shops around Piazza di Santa Croce tend to be less expensive than those directly on the Ponte Vecchio, where rents — and prices — run higher.
Discovering Florence’s Jewelry Scene

Florence boasts a vibrant jewelry scene for enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. You’ll find stores like The Gold Corner, where 18k gold and intricate filigree pieces beckon from near the historic Piazza di Santa Croce. Del Brenna (stylized “DelBrenna” by the brand), near Via de’ Tornabuoni, opened its Florence atelier in 2023 and showcases craftsmanship rooted in three generations of the family’s Tuscan goldsmithing tradition.
The cultural significance of Florence’s jewelry is deeply rooted in its history. Many shops draw on Renaissance goldsmithing techniques, and along the Ponte Vecchio — reserved for jewelers by Medici decree since the 1500s — you’ll find artisans offering personalized service rather than mass-produced pieces. Engaging with local craftspeople helps you find items with real stories behind them.
Tips for Shopping Jewelry in Florence
When shopping for jewelry in Florence, local recommendations can lead you to better value than the first shop you pass. Don’t hesitate to ask staff about the karat, weight, and origin of a piece — reputable shops are used to these questions and will answer them readily.
Local Recommendations Matter
Exploring jewelry shops in Florence can be an enchanting experience, especially when you rely on local knowledge. A few practical tips:
- Look for the 18k gold hallmark (750, or “18Kt”) stamped on the piece — Italian gold jewelry is legally required to carry a purity mark.
- Compare prices between the Ponte Vecchio and the Santa Croce district; the bridge’s high rents are often reflected in higher prices for similar pieces.
- Visit during quieter hours (mornings, or right after opening) to get unhurried attention from staff.
- If you’re a non-EU resident, ask about tax-free shopping — purchases over roughly €70 can qualify for a partial VAT refund processed at the airport on departure.
Engage With Shop Staff
Engaging with knowledgeable staff can transform a jewelry visit. Their expertise guides you toward pieces suited to your taste and budget, and building rapport can reveal items not prominently displayed.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ask about the karat and weight | Confirms what you’re actually paying for |
| Inquire about the workshop’s history | Connects you to Florence’s goldsmithing culture |
| Ask about tax-free shopping | Can save non-EU visitors real money |
The Gold Market: A Top Jewelry Store in Florence
Nestled at Piazza Santa Croce 20, The Gold Market has operated at this address since 1973 and is a solid stop for 18k gold jewelry, including Florentine specialties like gold-coin pendants and mosaic pieces. It’s well-reviewed by both locals and travelers for its range and service.
Half a century in the same Santa Croce storefront has made The Gold Market a go-to stop for 18k gold jewelry in Florence’s historic center.
- Long-standing craftsmanship: Nearly five decades at the same address.
- Broad selection: Rings, necklaces, earrings, and Florentine gold-coin pieces.
- Family-run service: Reviewers frequently mention staff going out of their way, including after-sale help with shipping.
- Daily hours: Typically open seven days a week, roughly 9am to 6pm — confirm current hours on their website before visiting, since these can shift seasonally.
For current contact details and hours, check the shop’s official website directly, since posted phone numbers and hours can change.
Products Worth Considering
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Del Brenna: Timeless Elegance in Jewelry
Step into Del Brenna’s Florence atelier and you’re greeted by a design philosophy built on the family’s three generations of Tuscan goldsmithing, even though the Florence location itself is newer. Located at Borgo Santi Apostoli 45R, near Via de’ Tornabuoni, this boutique — opened in 2023 — is worth a visit for anyone seeking handcrafted Italian jewelry with a warm, personal shopping experience (visitors are often greeted with a glass of prosecco).
Products Worth Considering
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Unique Design Philosophy
Del Brenna’s signature is its handwoven chain construction — built from four base elements (links, small “ciambelle” rings, beads, and cylinders) rather than machine-made chain — finished with a medallion engraved fatto con amore (“made with love”). Distinctive qualities include:
- Handcrafted chainwork: Each piece is assembled by hand using the brand’s signature link method.
- Quality materials: Jewelry is made in 925 silver, 24k gold vermeil, and rose or black rhodium finishes.
- Family heritage: Design and production trace back to the family’s Tuscan studio near Cortona.
- Personal touches: The Florence atelier is known for its welcoming, unhurried in-store experience.
Artisan Craftsmanship Focus
At the heart of Del Brenna’s appeal is handcrafted chain jewelry that stands apart from mass production. Each piece is built link by link in the brand’s Tuscan studio, and the Florence boutique showcases the full range — from everyday chains to statement pieces — with staff on hand to explain the construction and care of each design.
Prime Florence Location
Del Brenna’s Florence atelier sits at Borgo Santi Apostoli 45R, just off Via de’ Tornabuoni, one of the city’s central shopping streets, near the Church of Santa Trinita. Reasons to stop by:
- Handcrafted chainwork: A distinctive alternative to typical machine-made gold jewelry.
- Central location: Steps from Via de’ Tornabuoni and Piazza Santa Trinita.
- Personalized service: Staff regularly walk visitors through the brand’s chain-building technique.
- Approachable price points: Silver and vermeil pieces sit below the price of solid 18k gold jewelry elsewhere in the city.
Fratelli Piccini: A Legacy of Artisan Jewelry
Since opening its atelier in 1903 on the Ponte Vecchio, Fratelli Piccini has embodied artisan jewelry in Florence, working in semi-precious stones and intricate cameos. It’s the last shop on the bridge with a functioning goldsmith’s workshop, now led by fourth-generation CEO Elisa Tozzi Piccini.
Founder Pirro Piccini handed the business to his three sons — Renzo, Tebaldo, and Armando — in 1951, when it was renamed Fratelli Piccini. Under Armando’s design leadership the house won the International Diamond Awards competition in New York in 1958. Today’s collections still draw on that legacy: the Bloom collection is inspired by Botticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus, while the Lullaby and Signature lines showcase the same hand-engraving and enamel techniques the family has used for over a century. Entry-level pieces start in the low thousands of dollars, with bespoke, one-of-a-kind commissions — about a third of what the house sells — reaching well into six figures.
Products Worth Considering
This vintage necklace showcases a classic cameo pendant with a retro women's portrait, merging vintage charm and unique elegance
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Torrini: Centuries of Jewelry Craftsmanship
Step into Torrini and you’re entering a world shaped by over 650 years of history — its trademark, registered in Florence in 1369 by the goldsmith Jacopus, is thought to be the oldest continuously used trademark in the jewelry world. Each piece reflects 26 generations of the same family.
Rich Heritage and Legacy
Torrini’s roots stretch back to 1369, when the Florentine Republic required artisans to register a personal trademark; Jacopus’s signum — a half-clover with a spur — is still stamped on every piece today. Highlights of the house’s history:
- Timeless Designs: Blending contemporary and classic styles.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Traditional goldsmithing techniques passed down father to son.
- Quality Materials: Gold, silver, diamonds, and gemstones.
- Cultural Preservation: One of the world’s oldest continuously operating family jewelry businesses.
Note: Torrini’s historic Piazza Duomo storefront closed in 2018; the family’s single current headquarters, showroom, and goldsmith workshop are now located at Via San Gallo 9R, Florence.
Masterful Craftsmanship Techniques
Torrini is known for “Oro Nativo” (native gold) — a technique developed by Franco Torrini for achieving the natural color of 18k yellow gold through heat and non-chemical treatment, based on research into methods documented by Benvenuto Cellini. You’ll find intricate designs in gold, silver, and gemstones that honor centuries of Florentine tradition while continuing to evolve.
Unique Jewelry Collections Offered
Torrini’s best-known pieces include the Florentine gold florin necklace — a coin pendant inspired by the historic Florentine currency, available in 18k or 24k gold — alongside custom engagement rings and wedding bands. Highlights include:
- Florentine Gold Florin Jewelry: Coin-inspired pendants referencing Florence’s Renaissance-era currency.
- Gemstone Rings: Custom pieces featuring emerald, ruby, and diamond settings.
- Wedding Collections: Handmade bands crafted to order rather than mass-produced.
- Custom Commissions: Pieces built from scratch when a stock size or design doesn’t fit.
Premium Italian Jewelry: Innovative Designs
Back at The Gold Market on Piazza Santa Croce — in business at that address since 1973 — you’ll find another side of Florentine craftsmanship: 18k gold pieces made with the delicate filigree work the city is known for, alongside more contemporary designs. It’s a good example of how Florence’s gold trade blends centuries-old technique with modern taste, run by the same family for decades and popular with both locals and returning visitors.
Working with local artisans, shops like this one turn gemstones and gold into pieces that reflect Florentine heritage while staying wearable for everyday life — whether you’re after a statement piece or something more subtle.
The Gold Corner: Authentic Local Jewelry Finds
Located at Piazza di Santa Croce 15R, The Gold Corner is a well-regarded local option that draws both Florentines and travelers away from the more tourist-heavy stretches of the city. It focuses on high-quality 18k gold and filigree pieces. What makes it worth a visit:
Just off Piazza di Santa Croce, The Gold Corner has built a loyal following on straightforward pricing and attentive, unpushy staff.
- Solid selection: A wide range of 18k gold jewelry, including custom options.
- Competitive pricing: Reviewers frequently compare it favorably to Ponte Vecchio shops.
- Personal service: Staff are widely described as patient and low-pressure, including help negotiating and arranging shipping.
- Central location: A short walk from the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Pro Tip: As with any gold shop in Florence, it’s worth comparing a piece’s price against similar items on the Ponte Vecchio before buying — prices for comparable 18k gold pieces can vary noticeably between the two areas.
One-of-a-Kind Florentine Jewelry for Special Occasions
If you’re searching for a piece to commemorate a special occasion, Florence’s ateliers specialize in custom, one-of-a-kind work. At Fratelli Piccini, roughly a third of all pieces sold are bespoke commissions, hand-engraved and finished in the workshop’s Ponte Vecchio studio — drawing on motifs from the Signature, Bloom, and Lullaby collections. Entry-level pieces start in the low thousands of dollars, with fully custom, one-of-a-kind commissions running well beyond that depending on materials and complexity.
Whether it’s a hand-engraved ring, a Florentine gold-coin necklace from Torrini, or a filigree piece from The Gold Corner, these houses combine historical technique with contemporary design — each piece meant to capture a specific moment rather than come off a production line.
Why Quality Matters in Fine Jewelry
Quality is what turns a piece of jewelry into a keepsake rather than an accessory. When you invest in a well-made piece, you’re paying for durability and craftsmanship, not just materials. Why it matters:
Quality is what separates a jewelry purchase you’ll wear for decades from one you’ll replace in a year.
- Durability: 18k gold and well-set precious stones hold up to daily wear far better than plated alternatives.
- Artisanal craftsmanship: Traditional Florentine techniques — hand-engraving, filigree, enameling — are harder to replicate and generally hold value better.
- Value over time: Well-made pieces from established houses can appreciate, especially limited or historically documented designs.
- Authenticity: Buying from reputable, established shops reduces the risk of mislabeled karat or origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jewelry is Florence, Italy known for?
Florence is best known for 18-karat gold jewelry crafted using Renaissance-era goldsmithing techniques — including hand filigree work and Florentine gold-coin pendants — a tradition that dates back centuries on the Ponte Vecchio.
Where is the best place to buy jewelry in Florence?
The Ponte Vecchio is the historic center of Florentine goldsmithing, but shops around Piazza di Santa Croce, like The Gold Corner and The Gold Market, are known for comparable quality at generally lower prices, since Ponte Vecchio rents push prices up.
Where can I buy the best jewelry in Italy?
Beyond Florence, look for artisan boutiques rather than chain retailers — shops that can speak to their sourcing, craftsmanship, and history tend to offer more distinctive, better-value pieces than mass-market jewelers.
What is a must-buy in Florence?
A Florentine gold-coin pendant — a piece modeled on the historic gold florin — is one of the city’s signature souvenirs, and it’s widely available in both 18k and 24k gold at shops like Torrini.
Conclusion
As you stroll through Florence’s streets, let the city’s jewelry scene captivate you. From the working goldsmith ateliers of the Ponte Vecchio to the family-run shops around Piazza di Santa Croce, each store offers craftsmanship with real history behind it. Whether you’re after a centuries-old design tradition or something contemporary, take the time to ask about materials, technique, and provenance — it’s the surest way to leave with a piece that’s genuinely worth its story.
Sources
- Fratelli Piccini — Official History — founding date, 1951 leadership transition, 1958 award
- Forbes — entry price point and share of bespoke commissions
- Torrini — Official History — 1369 founding and 26-generation lineage
- Torrini — Official Site — current Via San Gallo location
- DelBrenna — Locations — Florence atelier address and opening details
- The Gold Market Florence — Piazza Santa Croce location, established 1973
