London isn’t just about the Tube and tea. If you’re looking for jewelry or bags that actually make people turn their heads, the city delivers-no tourist traps, no overpriced malls. You can walk into a 200-year-old jeweler in Hatton Garden and walk out with a diamond ring that costs less than you’d pay in New York. Or find a tiny boutique in Notting Hill selling hand-stitched leather bags made by a designer who used to work for Mulberry. This isn’t shopping. It’s treasure hunting.
Where to Find Real Jewelry in London
Most people think of Harrods or Selfridges for jewelry. Skip them unless you want to pay 40% more for the same piece. The real magic happens in Hatton Garden. It’s not glamorous. It’s cramped, noisy, and smells like old metal. But it’s where 80% of London’s fine jewelry is made-and sold directly to buyers. Shops like Mappin & Webb and Asprey have been here since the 1800s. You’ll find independent designers too, like Emma J Shipley is a London-based jewelry and accessory brand known for its bold, nature-inspired designs, who hand-cast every piece in recycled silver.
What you get here isn’t just a ring or a necklace. You get a story. A jeweler will show you the rough stone before it’s polished. They’ll tell you where it came from-Botswana, Canada, Sri Lanka. No vague "ethically sourced" labels. Real names. Real places. And prices? A 1-carat diamond solitaire starts at £2,200 here. In Bond Street, it’s £3,500.
Don’t rush. Most shops are open until 7 PM. Ask for a free valuation if you’re thinking of selling something old. Some even offer custom design services-you bring a sketch, they turn it into a piece in 3 weeks.
Bags That Actually Last
If you’re buying a bag in London, you’re not buying a trend. You’re buying something that’ll outlive your phone. The best places aren’t on Oxford Street. They’re tucked away in Camden, Notting Hill, and Shoreditch.
Loake is a British shoemaker that also makes hand-stitched leather bags using the same 150-year-old techniques. Their crossbody bags start at £280 and come with a lifetime repair guarantee. You’ll see them on architects, teachers, and artists-not influencers.
In Notting Hill, Beaufort is a small workshop that makes structured leather bags using vegetable-tanned hides from a single tannery in Devon. Each bag takes 18 hours to make. No two are identical. The leather darkens with age, like a good whiskey. You’ll pay £450, but you won’t need another bag for 10 years.
For something edgier, head to Stella McCartney is a London-based fashion brand known for its sustainable luxury accessories and vegan leather designs. Their Falabella bag-made from recycled plastic bottles-is everywhere in London. But here’s the catch: it’s not sold in department stores. You have to go to their King’s Road flagship. And yes, it’s worth it. The chain is hand-finished. The zipper glides like silk. And it doesn’t smell like plastic.
Where to Avoid
Camden Market? It’s fun. But 90% of the "handmade" jewelry is stamped out in China and sold for £15. The "designer" bags? Fake logos, cheap zippers, glue that falls apart in rain. Same goes for Leicester Square souvenir shops. You’ll pay £80 for a "Gucci" bag that looks like it came from a garage in Bangkok.
Don’t fall for "limited edition" or "exclusive London collection" labels. That’s just marketing. Real London-made pieces don’t need hype. They speak through craftsmanship.
What to Look For
Here’s how to tell if something’s real:
- Weight: Real silver and gold feel heavy. Plastic or plated metal feels light.
- Stamps: Look for hallmarks on jewelry-925 for sterling silver, 750 for 18k gold. On bags, check for a serial number and maker’s mark inside.
- Smell: Fake leather smells like chemicals. Real leather smells like earth and oil.
- Stitching: Hand-stitched bags have uneven, slightly irregular stitches. Machine-made ones are perfectly even-too perfect.
- Price: If a £1,200 bag is on sale for £300, it’s fake. Or it’s stolen. Either way, walk away.
When to Shop
London’s accessory scene slows down in August. Many small shops close for holidays. Best months? October to December. That’s when designers release new collections, and some even offer 10-15% off if you buy two items.
January is quiet, but you’ll find the best deals. Post-holiday sales in Hatton Garden can drop prices by 30%. Notting Hill boutiques often have private viewings for regulars. Ask if they have a loyalty list.
Pro Tip: Bring Cash
Many small jewelers and bag makers don’t take cards. Or they charge a 3% fee. Bring pounds. Even £200 in small bills can get you something special. A silver pendant from a street vendor in Spitalfields? £45. A hand-painted clutch from a market stall in Peckham? £80. No receipt. No brand. Just something you won’t find anywhere else.
What You Won’t Find
You won’t find fast fashion accessories in London’s best spots. No Zara. No H&M. No Forever 21. Those brands don’t belong here. This city rewards patience. It rewards knowing the maker’s name. It rewards owning something that doesn’t come in a plastic bag with a barcode.
That’s why locals don’t shop for accessories. They collect them. One ring. One bag. One scarf. Each with a memory attached.
Is Hatton Garden safe for tourists?
Yes, but stick to the main streets like Hatton Garden and Charles Street. Avoid alleyways after dark. Most shops are open during business hours and have security. Don’t carry large amounts of cash unless you’re buying. Many stores offer secure payment options now, but cash still gets you the best deals.
Can I get my jewelry cleaned or repaired in London?
Absolutely. Most jewelers in Hatton Garden offer free cleaning and minor repairs-even if you didn’t buy from them. For major work like resetting stones or resizing rings, expect to pay £50-£150. Turnaround is usually 5-10 days. Ask for a written quote before they start.
Are designer bags in London cheaper than elsewhere?
Not always. Brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton price the same worldwide. But you’ll find better deals on British-made bags-like Beaufort, Loake, or G.H. Bass. These aren’t luxury names, but they’re made better than most European brands. And you’re supporting local craft.
Do I need to tip at jewelry shops?
No. Tipping isn’t expected in UK retail. But if a jeweler spends an extra hour helping you design a piece, a thank-you note or a small gift (like a tin of tea from Fortnum & Mason) is appreciated. It builds relationships.
What’s the best way to carry my new purchases home?
Most shops will wrap your items in tissue and put them in a branded box. For jewelry, ask for a padded pouch. If you’re flying, pack heavy items in checked luggage. Never put diamonds or expensive bags in your carry-on. UK customs doesn’t tax personal items under £390, but keep your receipt just in case.
Next Steps
Start with Hatton Garden on a Tuesday morning. It’s quiet, the light’s good, and the jeweler’s just opened. Then walk to Notting Hill-grab a coffee at Portobello Road and browse the boutiques. Don’t plan to buy everything. Just look. Touch. Feel. Ask questions. The right piece will find you.
London doesn’t sell accessories. It gives you a piece of its soul. Wear it well.