Shops for Magpies: The Best Places to Buy Jewellery in Edinburgh

Is there any occasion when jewellery doesn’t make the perfect gift? From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, finding a beautifully crafted piece for a loved one is a sure-fire way to get in their good books. But before you face the challenge of spotting the right sparkly gift, it’s worth taking a second to consider where are the best places to start your search in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is a bustling, vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers plenty of scope for retail therapy. Only recently, a new jeweller’s opened in the capital– Chisholm Hunter – which created 20 new jobs at its 10,000 sq ft flagship store on Princes Street. Selling everything from diamond rings to designer brooches, luxury watches to earring, this high end shop also has the added attraction of a champagne bar and Swiss timepiece room

But away from the glitz and glamour of a high-street store, there are plenty of hidden gems packed with unique and stunning pieces of jewellery. Here are just some of the places to look.

Vintage shops

For jewellery that has been the remnant of a bygone era, Edinburgh’s vintage shops offer a treasure trove of beautiful items alongside its clothing and shoe ranges. The Frayed Hem based in the centre of the Old Town, on Cockburn Street to be exact, is an extra special haunt for those looking for pieces from the 1920s right up until the 1980s. This shop features a handpicked collection lovingly chosen by a family that has run the store since it opened its doors back in 2010. The store also stocks and supports local and regional designers, running regular vintage fairs across the city.

Antiques dealers

Searching for a jewellery piece that is even older than those found in Edinburgh’s vintage shops? Fine jewellery and antiques can be found courtesy of the city’s specialist dealers. Alistir Wood Tait Antique & Fine Jewellery, James Ness & Son, Goodwin Antiques and Joseph Bonnar are just some of the names that offer upscale period and antique items.

Boutiques

Handmade and interesting pieces can be discovered in the jewellery boutiques across Edinburgh. One such shop is Rosie Brown, based in Bruntsfield Place, which showcases bespoke jewellery handmade from the finest gemstones, silver and gold. From their workshop, which houses a team of experienced jewellers, Rosie Brown creates the precious pieces that are certain to last a lifetime.

Mainstream jewellers

Big name jewellers aren’t difficult to find in Edinburgh, of course. While they may not supply the individually designed gifts that many covet, their exquisite and extensive collections will leave you spoilt for choice. Princes Street is obviously a great place to start in your search for luxury jewellers and diamond specialists, with the recently opened Chisholm Hunter and Fraser Hart calling this major thoroughfare and main shopping street their home.

Just a short walk away in nearby Frederick Street you’ll also find the prestigious Laing Edinburgh and Macintyres of Edinburgh, both of which stock high-end jewellery and watch brands.

Independent stores

Edinburgh as a whole has a thriving independent shop scene. Its quirky stores sell everything from fossils and prized antiques to traditional kilts and fine wine just one of the plus points of living in or visiting the city. Whilst these small independents are scattered throughout the winding city streets, many of which often go unnoticed to the untrained eye, independent jewellers are a great place to purchase one of a kind, designer pieces to add to your own collection or give as a gift.

Such and Such on Brunswick Street is one independent jewellery store well worth a visit, particularly if you are searching for something utterly unique. The studio, which is only open Saturday and Sunday, showcases jewellery pieces created by independent designers, and also runs regular pop-ups where guest artists officially take over.

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