City specializations
Paris dominates the haute joaillerie segment (Cartier, Van Cleef, Boucheron — flagship boutiques cluster on Place Vendôme); Antwerp processes 84% of global diamonds; Florence preserves goldsmith tradition; Milan and Rome offer Italian fine jewelry. Different segments, different cities.
Paris
Paris Place Vendôme is the global haute joaillerie square — Cartier (No. 13), Van Cleef & Arpels (No. 22), Boucheron (No. 26), Chaumet (No. 12), Mauboussin, Buccellati, JAR. Flagships only here; smaller boutiques throughout 1st arr. Plus contemporary designers in Le Marais.
Rome
Rome Via Condotti the Roman luxury jewelry street. Bulgari (founded Rome 1884), Damiani, Pomellato, Buccellati, Cartier. Italian flair in jewelry distinct — bolder color, design-led. Plus historic shops near Pantheon and Piazza di Spagna.
Milan
Milan Quadrilatero della Moda (Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga) plus Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Bulgari, Pomellato (Milan-headquartered), Damiani, Mattioli. Plus contemporary designers in Brera. Quadrilatero luxury cluster.
Antwerp
Antwerp the global diamond capital. The Diamond District around Pelikaanstraat — 1,500+ businesses, 84% of rough diamonds processed worldwide pass through. Buy direct from polishers at 30–50% below high-street prices (with proper grading certificates). Less luxury-flagship, more wholesale-bargaining.
Geneva
Swiss watch capital extends to fine jewelry. Patek Philippe Salons, Cartier, Piaget, Chopard. Less famous than Place Vendôme but strong allocation lists.
Florence
Florence Ponte Vecchio jewellers since 1593 — small Goldsmith shops with 400+ year tradition. Cassetti, Vannini. Contemporary Florentine designers (Aurum Atelier, Angela Caputi) in surrounding old town. Plus historic Officine Nicolai goldsmith school.
Strategy
Place Vendôme appointment-required at top houses for serious purchases (€20,000+). Antwerp diamond purchases require GIA or HRD certification; transactions cash + bank transfer common. Tax-free shopping for non-EU residents on €100+ — request VAT refund forms at purchase.