Istanbul is a jewelry-lover’s paradise, and first-time visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by the wide variety of designs on offer. There is an incredible range of jewelry available, from simple beaded necklaces to opulent designs that can rightfully be called wearable works of art, and from funky modern pieces to refined and elegant classics. This vibrant mix makes Istanbul a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Turkey has been home to many great civilizations and empires, and this rich history is reflected in the jewelry we see today, as many jewelry designers draw on this history for their inspiration.

Many of the best jewelry shops tend to be clustered around certain parts of town. The Grand Bazaar region was traditionally where all the city’s top craftsmen had their jewelry workshops. Many still do, as the bazaar district remains home to numerous jewelry workshops and stores. The tony Niştantaşı neighborhood is another area where there is an abundance of jewelry stores, including many interna­tional brands. Meanwhile, in recent years, the city’s upscale malls, IstinyePark and Kanyon in particular, also have attracted many high-end jewelers.

GRAND BAZAAR

Some of the best Turkish jewelry brands still have stores in the Grand Bazaar and the surrounding districts. With a dizzying array of jewelry stores, we have selected some of the best and most reputable boutiques.

Tiara now has two locations in the Sultanahmet area, and has one of the most extensive jewelry collections you will find anywhere in Istanbul. You can find here both antique and modern handcrafted pieces inspired by Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman cultures, making Tiara a favorite of many international celebrities.

Contemporary jewelry designer Örge Tulga creates a line of jewelry that is both sophisticated and unique. Using silver, gold, and a wide variety of semi-precious stones, Tulga’s designs are simple and elegant, often inspired by shapes in nature.

Hilat carries beautifully handcrafted gold jewelry that blends ancient Anatolian designs with modern influences. Many pieces are also inlaid with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires to create timeless pieces of wearable art.

Özlem Tuna is well-known for her designs, both in Turkey and internation­ally. Her works include a range of jewelry and home accessories in elegant shapes made with porcelain, silver, and mosaic tiles. Her designs can be found at Özlem Tuna&Zerre Tasarım.

Ethno Ethnic carries a beautiful selection of jewelry, drawing inspiration from global cultures and religions. A favorite with many Turkish celebrities, Ethno uses precious and semi-precious stones, metal, wood, leather, bone, and fabric to create unique pieces of jewelry, many with an antique feel.

With his elaborate and over-the-top designs, jeweler Sevan Bıçakçı has built up a cult following that includes many celebrity fans. Using the micro-mosaic tech­nique, Bıçakçı creates remarkably intricate and highly original designs in his un­mistakable and unique style.

A family-run business that has been around for more than 100 years, Boybeyi Jewelry’s extensive collection features many traditional rose-cut diamonds, as well as modern and colorful pieces.

NIŞANTAŞI

Niştantaşı is known as Istanbul’s most high-end district, the city’s style capital, where Turkey’s leading designers have opened boutiques side-by-side with top international brands.

Gilan is one of Turkey’s best-known jewelry designers abroad, and is a favorite with Hollywood celebrities looking to make a high-impact statement on the red carpet. Their magnificent jewelry is known for its bold colors and dramatic designs.

In business for more than 20 years, Arkaik designs modern Turkish jewelry that has a very sculptural feel. Their line is inspired by ancient civilizations, often drawing inspiration from historical and cultural motifs.

Diamond by Naci Şenocaklı produces classic jewelry pieces in original designs, including Ottoman-inspired collections.

Ela Cindoruk-Nazan Pak is a jewelry studio and store that features the work of both Cindoruk and Pak, as well as pieces from other young designers. Their designs are clean-cut, geometric, and modern, often made with materials like resin and paper, and in bright colors.

Urart designs a range of jewelry based on pieces in the Istanbul Archeological Museum, drawing inspiration from the Byzantine period, the Hittite civilization, and Anatolian cultures. Tableware, caviar services, glassware, and other home décor items are also produced in equally luxurious designs.

Founded in 1950, Kafkas remains a family-run business with several stores in Istanbul, including one in IstinyePark mall. They carry antique and one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as many classic designs. Their pieces feature Ottoman-style rose-cut diamonds, as well as rare pieces, such as yellow diamonds.

Karun is one of the popular local stores that specializes in lavish and high-end designs using a range of gemstones.

One of Istanbul’s best-known jewelry designers, favored by many Turkish celebrities, Cem Lokmanhekim’s designs often feature intricate craftsmanship and show clear Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

Alef carries a range of sophisticated pieces (earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets) using classical goldsmith techniques blended with modern interpretation and impeccable taste. Most pieces here are made with smoky quartz, onyx, aquamarine, and blue topaz.

Meanwhile, major international jewelers with stores in the area include Tiffany’s, Chopard, and Cartier.

KANYON/ISTINYEPARK

Kanyon, located in the Levent district, and IstinyePark are two of Istanbul’s most upscale shopping malls offering a luxury shopping experience. A number of major international brands have stores in these malls, including Swarovski, which specializes in jewelry and gift items made of Austrian crystal, Frey Wille, known for their distinctive use of colorful enamel in bold patterns reminiscent of the 1960s, as well as luxury jewelers Blvgari.

A local boutique is Arte Gioia, which stocks a wide range of luxury timepieces, as well as a wide range of designer jewelry from major international brands such as Pomellato, Cartier and Ulysse Nardin.