Jewelry to purchase during your travels
- Amanda Swaggert
- Dec 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 10
A Sparkling Adventure: Local Jewelry and Gemstones to Buy Around the World
Jewelry and gemstones are some of the most meaningful souvenirs you can bring back from your travels. Not only are they beautiful, but they also carry the essence of the places you visit, often tied to cultural or historical significance. From dazzling gemstones to handcrafted pieces, here’s a guide to the best jewelry and gems to buy in different countries.
1. Thailand: Rubies and Sapphires
Thailand is renowned for its exceptional rubies and sapphires, especially from the Chanthaburi region.
What to Look For: Vibrant blue sapphires and deep red rubies are must-buys. Visit reputable gem markets in Bangkok or Chanthaburi for authentic finds.
Bonus: Many shops offer custom jewelry services to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
2. India: Gold Jewelry and Emeralds
India’s love affair with gold is legendary, and its craftsmanship is unmatched.
What to Look For: Intricately designed gold bangles, necklaces, and earrings, often with traditional motifs. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is also famous for high-quality emeralds.
Tip: Always buy from certified jewelers to ensure authenticity and quality.
3. Italy: Murano Glass Jewelry and Coral
Italy offers exquisite artisan jewelry, particularly in Venice and along the Amalfi Coast.
What to Look For: Vibrant Murano glass jewelry in Venice and delicate coral pieces from Naples or Positano.
Why It’s Special: Each piece reflects Italy’s rich artisan heritage and Mediterranean flair.
4. Colombia: Emeralds
Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, known for their rich green hue and exceptional quality.
What to Look For: High-grade emeralds set in rings, earrings, or pendants. Bogotá’s La Candelaria district is a great place to shop.
Fun Fact: Colombian emeralds are considered some of the finest in the world due to their unique clarity.
5. Australia: Opals and South Sea Pearls
Australia is famous for its stunning opals and lustrous South Sea pearls.
What to Look For: Black opals from Lightning Ridge and white South Sea pearls from Broome.
Tip: For opals, look for stones with vibrant, shifting colors known as "play-of-color."
6. Turkey: Evil Eye Jewelry and Zultanite
Turkey’s evil eye jewelry is both protective and stylish, while Zultanite is a rare gemstone unique to the country.
What to Look For: Evil eye pendants and bracelets or Zultanite rings that change color from green to pink under different lighting.
Where to Buy: Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar for traditional pieces or high-end stores for gemstones.
7. South Africa: Diamonds and Tanzanite
South Africa is synonymous with diamonds and is also a gateway to Tanzanite, a rare gem found only in Tanzania.
What to Look For: Ethically sourced diamonds or vivid blue-violet Tanzanite.
Where to Shop: Reputable stores in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
8. Mexico: Silver Jewelry and Amber
Mexico is famous for its sterling silver and golden amber, particularly in regions like Taxco and Chiapas.
What to Look For: Unique silver designs, often inspired by Aztec and Mayan motifs, or golden amber pendants and earrings.
Why It’s Unique: Mexican silver is often handcrafted, making each piece a work of art.
9. Greece: Worry Beads and Byzantine Jewelry
Greece combines tradition and elegance in its jewelry offerings.
What to Look For: Worry beads (komboloi) made of semi-precious stones or gold Byzantine-style necklaces and rings.
Where to Shop: Athens’ Plaka district or Santorini for handcrafted items.
10. Peru: Peruvian Opals and Silver
Peruvian opals are known for their soft, pastel colors, while the country’s silver craftsmanship is world-class.
What to Look For: Sky-blue opal necklaces or intricately designed silver cuffs and pendants.
Fun Fact: Peruvian opals are unique because of their milky translucence and lack of play-of-color.
11. Sri Lanka: Moonstones and Ceylon Sapphires
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for gemstone enthusiasts, especially moonstones and sapphires.
What to Look For: Iridescent moonstones or the famous Ceylon blue sapphires.
Where to Buy: Visit the gem markets in Ratnapura, known as the "City of Gems."
12. Myanmar (Burma): Rubies and Jade
Myanmar is renowned for its "pigeon blood" rubies and rich green jade.
What to Look For: Ruby rings or jade bangles, often carved with intricate designs.
Tip: Look for jadeite jade, which is more valuable and vibrant than nephrite.
Tips for Buying Jewelry and Gemstones While Traveling
Research Ahead: Learn about the local jewelry traditions and reputable shops before you go.
Ask for Certification: Always request authenticity certificates for high-value gemstones.
Negotiate: In markets, don’t hesitate to bargain, but respect the artisans’ work.
Be Cautious: Avoid overly aggressive sellers or deals that seem too good to be true.
Bring Home a Piece of the World
Jewelry and gemstones are timeless souvenirs that capture the essence of the places you’ve visited. From the vibrant opals of Australia to the intricate silver of Mexico, every piece you bring home tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and adventure. So on your next journey, keep an eye out for these sparkling treasures—you’ll carry a bit of the world’s beauty with you forever.
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Amanda Swaggert
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer"
(612) 240-2388
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