A local’s quirky guide to visiting London for jewelry lovers, from incredible museums to shops and places to visit from Mayfair to Clerkenwell!
I love crafting quirky little London itineraries, and I think that as time goes on, I enjoy showing you cities like Rome, Paris, and London from every possible angle more and more.
This is why I have previously talked to you about London for chocolate lovers and shared a bookish itinerary, a fashion itinerary, and even a coffee and books itinerary quite recently.
London is a setting with a thousand facets – it is not just a fashion capital with Oxford Street, Soho, and London Bridge filled with unique boutiques and concept stores.
London for Jewelry Lovers: 8 Shops, Museums & Spots to Visit
If you know where to look and you are a jewelry enthusiast, you will find a special beauty in London, whether you are on a quest to see the Crown Jewels or participating in an independent jewelry-making workshop.
I have crafted this itinerary with craftsmanship, history, and art in mind. I wanted every step to be an immersion into the craftsmanship, luxury, and secrets of London.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: V&A Gemstone and Jewelry Collection
We couldn’t talk about jewelry, history, and art without a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, specifically the William and Judith Bollinger Gallery.
This gallery dedicated to jewelry traces the history of adornment from Ancient Egypt to the present day and includes Queen Victoria’s coronet, the French Crown diamonds, and a beautiful collection of Russian jewelry.
The gallery also shows the evolution of design with pieces by Cartier, Fabergé, and modern creators using innovative materials, but my favorite part is definitely the collection of rainbow-colored gemstones.
Once you are finished, you can grab a pastry at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, which has a branch right there in South Kensington.
You could also visit the Harrods department store just a few minutes away on foot, or grab a cup of colorful latte and a Red Velvet cake at Elan Cafe on Hans Crescent just opposite.
To wrap up the day, head to Ennismore Mews or Kynance Mews. These are two of the most beautiful mews streets in London and are perfect for a quiet walk after the museum.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Indie Shop – Tessa Metcalfe, Clerkenwell
If the V&A is the temple of historical jewels, you can find a much more original and eccentric workshop in Clerkenwell that is just as luxurious and perfectly London.
Clerkenwell sits at the heart of the city’s historic jewelry district, and at Tessa Metcalfe, you’ll find a unique mix of luxury and nature.
Originally from Hackney, the designer actually started in taxidermy before teaching herself jewelry making.
Among her most iconic pieces are the “claw rings” – miniature pigeon claws that grip massive precious stones – which you can see by appointment.
Just a five-minute walk away is Hatton Garden, London’s historic diamond district.
Very close by, you will also find The Charterhouse and St John’s Gate, which are two of the best-preserved medieval spots in London.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Indie Shop – Les Nereides, Long Acre
There is a jewelry brand with a store on Long Acre, one of the most famous shopping streets in Covent Garden, that I particularly love: Les Néréides.
The brand is French, born in Nice in 1980, and sits perfectly between the rebellious spirit of Tessa Metcalfe and the classicism of the V&A.
I love the delicate, romantic, and whimsical designs found at Les Néréides. Their style is unique, featuring hand-painted enamel on brass gilded with fine gold.
You can find collections inspired by nature, ranging from fruits and animals to ballerinas and fairy tale scenes.
After a visit there, you can explore other unique boutiques in Covent Garden.
Bageriet is nearby for a truly Swedish cinnamon bun, as is the historic Stanfords bookstore, which is close to the colorful Slingsby Place.
You will also find the vibrant hidden courtyard of Neal’s Yard nearby.
Finally, there is the Apple Market, one of London’s most famous markets, if you want to see more antique and handcrafted jewelry creations.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Just like the V&A Museum, the Tower of London is a must-visit whether you are a fan of jewelry, history, or both.
The Crown Jewels are kept in the Jewel House and represent one of the most famous treasures in the world, still used today by the British monarchy during state ceremonies.
The current collection was almost entirely reconstructed after 1660.
This is because most of the original jewels were melted down or sold by Oliver Cromwell following the execution of Charles I.
After seeing the Crown Jewels, you can continue your journey by visiting the historic neighborhoods of Bermondsey or Aldgate on the other side of the river.
You are also very close to London Bridge, Southbank, and Tower Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the Thames and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
If you are looking for more hidden gems, the ruins of St Dunstan in the East are just a few minutes away on foot and offer a peaceful, greenery-filled escape.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade
When it comes to quiet luxury in London, nothing surpasses the Burlington Arcade.
Opened in 1819, it was built during the same era as the iconic covered passages of Paris, such as the Galerie Vivienne or the Passage des Panoramas.
The Burlington Arcade is world-renowned for its magnificent Regency architecture and its famous Beadles – the ceremonial guards who still patrol the gallery in traditional livery.
Inside this fabulous shopping arcade, you will find prestigious jewelry houses like Hancocks or Susannah Lovis, which offer rare and antique pieces ranging from the Victorian and Art Deco eras to the bold designs of the 1970s.
It is the ultimate destination for connoisseurs of fine jewelry and horology, showcasing diamonds and masterpieces from Cartier, Boucheron, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.
This elegant sanctuary is the heart of London’s jewelry scene, complemented by the grand fashion houses found on nearby New Bond Street and Piccadilly.
Places to Visit in London for Jewelry Lovers: Browns Flagship
On Brook Street in Mayfair, you can find avant-garde luxury at Browns, an incredible flagship for contemporary creation and unique fine jewelry.
Located in the heart of one of the poshest areas of London, the store is housed in a listed 18th-century building.
Since 1970, Browns has been scouting the most daring designers of the moment. It is where icons like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen were discovered.
This spirit carries over into their jewelry selection, where you can find architectural and avant-garde designs from names like Shay and Foundrae, alongside pieces from emerging jewelers.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Jewelry Workshop at Stooki London
After exploring historic museum collections and elite boutiques, it would be cool to continue our jewelry journey in London with a unique workshop.
For this, I have chosen Stööki London, located in the maritime district of Greenwich. It is properly Londoner and offers a luxury DIY experience.
During the workshop, you sculpt and shape your own design using a special blue wax.
Once your mold is finished, Stööki takes care of the casting in sterling silver or gold, as well as the polishing, and sends your unique creation back to you a few weeks later.
London Itinerary for Jewelry Lovers: Moroccan Coffee Corner
In the heart of Walthamstow, a beautiful neighborhood in East London, you will find Moroccan Corner Coffee, which is truly one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
It is indeed a cafe serving Moroccan specialties where you can attend a jewelry making workshop. These sessions are more playful and colorful, making it a perfect activity to do with a young girl.
London for Jewelry Lovers: 8 Shops, Museums & Spots to Visit
Exploring London through the lens of jewelry is a complete journey through the city’s culture and history.
You can wander through Mayfair and Covent Garden, remain dazzled by the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and leave with your own hand-sculpted ring from Stööki.
To continue the theme of discovery, you can dive further into London’s history by visiting the ruins of Christchurch Greyfriars or escaping into a secret garden like the Dutch Garden or Salters’ Garden in the City of London.
But if you prefer, you can also uncover the hidden gems of London Bridge, Soho, or even Oxford Street!