Where to Buy Best Jewellery in Istanbul?

Yasin Berkay

I am eager to leave my comfort zone and push myself to try new things. The best way to do it is by traveling. So I keep exploring the world and myself.

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Whatever you are coming to Istanbul for, you can always look up to some fine Turkish jewelry in Istanbul on your trip. This city contains one of the biggest jewellery markets in the world. The city itself was popular for designing valuable stones even ages ago. Shopping places in Istanbul have a lot to offer that you won’t regret!

Jewelers and craftsmen filled the city, and they kept their livings after the conquest of the Ottoman Empire. They flourished in the Ottoman age, thanks to the construction of the Grand Bazaar. Jewel craft designs made in this city always were mixed with many cultures. Being a bridge between two continents made almost every culture brought up here. The architecture of the city and history lies beneath it inspired by many craftsmen, including jewelry designers.

Whatever Istanbul designers get inspired by, they do a brilliant job. All the attention from all over the world proves their success. Get ready, because in this blog we will deeply inquire into Turkish jewelry brands and give you some tips about where to buy Turkish jewelry in Istanbul. I think you are going to love this one!

1. Sevan Bıçakçı

The ‘Star-Jeweller’ of Turkiye. Or ‘King of Rings’ some may say. Sevan Bıçakçı is the world-famous jeweler located in the Grand Bazaar. You may find the prices too high when you arrive in his shop, but it’s easy to say his collections and designs are world-class and deserve it. Started his journey around 1980, Sevan Bıçakçı is one of the most humble, kind and popular jewelers in Istanbul. The most known ring design ‘Sultanahmet’te Yağmur’ brought him an international award from Las Vegas.

One in a kind rings with mostly gold and silver materials, Sevan Bıçakçı’s shop is the perfect place to buy jewelry gifts.

2. Berç Melikyan

As his own term, a miniature sculpture, Berç Melikyan may be the last ‘Kalemkar’ on the Earth. With his rings designed with thousands of steel pen cuts, he is one of the most interesting jewelers today.

His style of craft dates back to a millennia, and he keeps that design tradition alive. Over the years many companies used his designs for showrooms at conventions. But for a long time, he never took credit for his own work.

However, for a while, he made his name appear throughout the jewel society and received immense attention right away. He is named for the must-see jeweler list by the World Gold Council in Istanbul. Also he and his works were named for Living Cultural Treasure by UNESCO.

3. Surmak Susmak

With his interesting personality, along with his prize-winning designs, Surmak Susmak is a jeweler anyone should visit. Keeping the old traditions alive with adapting the modern styled designs he is an admirable jeweler.

Every jewel that comes out of his shop is handmade and delicately crafted. And for that, he has many customers all around the world.

But his magnificent work aside, he has become an idol for people around him. The old traditions of Grand Bazaar he kept alive have made an excellent boss out of him. ‘I see all of them as my child.’ as he says for each of his employees. ‘Setting is a matter of honor’ he says for another tradition of the Grand Bazaar.

Prioritizing trust above all else is his main goal for his works. He always makes a sincere connection with his customers, more than cold professional buyer-seller interactions. In almost every important event he participates, every time he gets to talk, he always points towards youth.

With his old traditions, his modern and humble personality and his designs mainly inspired by nature, he is a world-known jeweler in Istanbul. His prize-winning ring design ‘Saray Meltemi’ is world-famous. As a trusted, world-known jeweler you should definitely visit his shop if you want to buy a jewel mixed with nature.

4. Biriz Jewellery

Avedis Kendir was born in Istanbul in 1959. He began learning how to make jewelry from his master in his childhood. In 1980, Kendir founded “Biriz Jewelry” and has been making jewelry, specializing in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Ottoman jewelry for over 40 years.

He combines Turkish and foreign motifs in his jewelry work. He sells much of his designs at the Kempinski Hotel in Çırağan Palace. Avedis Kendir has notable clientele such as Queen Elizabeth or Elizabeth Taylor.

He dropped out of school at age ten, but even today he says he is a student. With his perfectly designed handmade jewels and his appetite for learning even considered as a master crafter, Avedis Kendir’s shop is one of the best jewelers in Istanbul.

Another traditional element used in Turkish jewellery is, of course, the evil eye. There are many types of evil eye jewels: from earrings to necklaces, from bracelets to piercings.

5. Manuk’s Workshop

Manuk Durmazgüler is considered as a young master crafter in Istanbul. Since 2012 he has presented his own designs by the name of Manuk’s Workshop. His early age among his peers may surprise you for his experiences on designing. Many who know him say he works even in his home.

While appreciating the old traditional jewel designs, he says he always wanted to make something new. His simple and delicate designs draw too much attention, even more than his own expectations.

Having an ancient crafting tradition as his work of life doesn’t change his personality. Many customers say one of the best things in his store is the music they play. As a cheerful and sincere owner, he often talks about almost anything with his customers.

If you find yourself at his store, which you should absolutely go to, you can find yourself talking with him about Rock & Roll. Manuk’s Worksop especially liked by young customers.

And if you are looking for online shopping options, you might want to take a look at these Turkish necklaces. There are many designs, and you will, for sure, find the one you’ll like.

6. Rüveyde Okumuş Handmade Jewelry

An eccentric jeweler Rüveyde Okumuş made her name in the must-see jeweler in Istanbul list with her beautiful natural designs. She carries one of the first Organic Jewel Designer titles in Türkiye. Her value for the environment can be seen in her jewel designs that include seashells and such objects.

She is a successful businesswoman in Istanbul, and you should definitely visit her shops.

7. Kısmet by Milka

World popular jewels made by Kısmet by Milka. Owner Milka Karaağaçlı, a world-known jeweler, is an inspiration for many in Turkiye. She has a clientele such as Madonna, and her jewels can be seen in many TV shows in Turkiye.

Her small, simple and delicate designs are high priced, but absolutely worthy of her beautiful designs. Her feminist side also draws attention, and her work conditions told to be very tough. But whatever her work environment she creates in, it works.

8. Arman Suciyan

With his edgy designs, Arman Suciyan became a world popular jeweler. His sharp, clean and stunning designs draw much attention from all over the world.

Most of his clients come to Türkiye and take appointments directly with him. And most of his off country clients are from the UK. With all his experiences, his insights, his skills and craft, he developed his very own unique style.

Arman prides himself on receiving various awards. Like the one from the Goldsmiths Craft Council or the utterly prestigious DeBeers Jewellery Design Award.

9. Ece Şirin ( BEE GODDESS)

After working for brands like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, Ece şirin realized that she wants more than that, something more spiritual and meaningful for her. Thus, she found BEE GODDESS Jewelry in 2007.

What makes this brand special is its being the first talismanic fine jewelry brand. Ece Şirin in each of her designs, blends luxury craftsmanship with mythology. Each piece represents an ancient symbol such as happiness, power, love, and wisdom.

Ece Şirin calls herself “Queen Bee”. She and her brand won many international awards. The last of those was given in 2022 by Elle Style Awards. Ece Sirin was awarded “Fashion Visionary of the Year” thanks to her self-expressive style, distinctive attitude, and professional accomplishments.

BEE GODDESS has various branches both in different cities of Türkiye and in London.