Whether you’re looking for costume jewellery as a souvenir of your trip, or an engagement ring that shows your devotion to your loved one, London has plenty of dazzling options. This diverse city is home to the UK’s most famous jewellery shops, as well as lesser-known gems where you can find unique designs and fine craftsmanship.

One of the best places to shop for jewellery in London is Hatton Garden. The area was the centre of London’s jewellery trade until 1666, when a fire destroyed much of the surrounding area. In 1912, archaeologists uncovered an underground treasure trove known as the Cheapside Hoard, which includes a variety of jewelled items made from Paris Touch gold. Today, there are over 20 jewellers in the square and the surrounding streets, all vying to be your next favourite jewellery shop.

In addition to the world-renowned luxury jewellers in London, the city also has a great selection of independent boutiques. This includes the funky Shoreditch Boxpark space Parla, where you can pick up contemporary designs from a carefully curated selection of British designers. Owner and designer Alona Shelemy draws on her European and Middle Eastern heritage for her effortlessly cool designs, which are handmade in London. The jeweller works with recycled gold and ethical gemstones, and she offers an extensive range of gold plated and sterling silver jewellery.

Another swanky spot is Boodles, a long-established jeweller that can be found on the City’s iconic New Bond Street. The store has an old-school feel, with stamps and wax seals decorating the interior, but it’s also modern and elegant. The jeweller’s bespoke pieces are crafted in house, and include stunning diamond creations that are guaranteed to sparkle.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more order bespoke jewellery in London, The Great Frog is a small, black-fronted jeweller in Carnaby that’s popular with a whole host of musicians and celebrities. The company makes solid silver skull rings, celtic trinkets and biker-inspired pendants. Its customers include a number of renowned cultural figures from the music world, including Iron Maiden, Led Zeppel, Alice Cooper and Kate Bush.

If you want to see the oldest and most beautiful jewellery in London, head to the V&A Museum for a stunning display of period pieces, from the earliest times of Britain as a united kingdom up through the Victorian era. The gallery also has some incredibly rare pieces, such as an intaglio gem intricately carved with a representation of a 3rd century Roman warship. This incredible piece is the only surviving example of its kind in the entire world.