What are some of your favorite jewelry stores to visit when on a trip? I have never been, but I have heard the shops there carry some very fine jewelry at pretty reasonable prices. Please feel free to post pictures of any jewelry you got while in India and tell me a little about why you chose it!
I am the person who always shops for jewelry when on trips! Feels like a small but meaningful reminder when I think about certain holidays and trips.
I honestly don't go with the intention of visiting a jewelry shop, however, they always seem to find me! However, if I am going to visit a foreign country, I think it's only naturaly to take some cultural jewelry back with me.
I like buying small memento objects such as jewelry to remind me of the trip years later. However, I avoid things that leave me feeling sad or those that may even land me in trouble such as ivory trinkets. You'll get many street hawkers promising you all sorts of jewelry including ivory pieces but be warned. many are con artists out to sell you some fake trinket then disappear faster than you can say "shukran." When it comes to genuine jewelry, shop at reputable department stores only. Above all, don't buy ivory. Let's save the remaining elephants.
I don't really like jewelry. I only wear them during special occasions like weddings. But from time to time, if I have the money to spend for it, I invest on jewelry. I've heard that gold and diamonds in India are relatively more affordable than anywhere else. I don't know if it's true. Perhaps when I visit the country I will have the chance to find out for myself. I just need to do more research on it as I am not that knowledgeable when it comes to valuable trinkets.
I've heard that the level of craftsmanship among Indian jewelers is second to none! My friend imports products from Delhi, and he has a waiting list months long, such is the demand for the items they produce. If you're going to India I'd definitely recommend you check their wares out for yourself.....
Buying jewelry might give the wrong people some ideas, if you get what I mean. Pickpockets or muggers can see you coming out of a store wearing new jewelry, it won't look great for your safety. If you really can't help but buy some stuff, probably just keep it in your bag (not your luggage that you leave at the hotel), and just wear it after you come home to your country. Not sounding paranoid, but it really is dangerous to be displaying wealth, especially as a tourist in a foreign country. Better safe than sorry, am I right?
I'm not a fan of wearing jewelries so I don't go around looking for jewelries. However, whenever I travel, friends and family back home are always bugging me to bring back a gift or souvenir for them. And I found out that the most appreciated gifts are always jewelries. So whenever I travel, I always buy locally made jewelries to bring back home. India is well-known for its unique jewelry so there is no shortage of jewelry shops in major Indian cities.
I never buy jewelry when I'm on a trip. First of all I love the really good stuff, the expensive gems and the white gold. So really that would mean taking money away from my fun budget to spend on jewelry, I couldn't do that. I can always get really good pieces anytime from my home town. When I'm on a trip, every cent that I have has to go toward having a great experience.
