Buying Gold in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar: A Guide From the Goldsmiths Who Work There

Our workshop sits inside one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Every morning before the shutters go up, the hammers have already started. If you are planning a visit to Istanbul, or simply curious about where your jewelry is made, here is the Grand Bazaar as we know it.

Five centuries of trade

The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı ("covered market"), grew around a domed hall built in the 15th century, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Over the centuries it spread into a covered maze of streets, courtyards and inns. Today it holds thousands of shops, and gold has been at its heart the whole time.

The jewelers' street

Kalpakçılar Caddesi, the bazaar's main street, is lined with jewelers' windows from end to end. Behind and above the shops, in the hans (old inns built around courtyards), are the workshops where much of the gold is actually made: casting, chain making, stone setting and polishing. Many of these workshops have been run by the same families for generations, and ours is one of them.

How a piece is finished by hand

Most fine jewelry passes through several pairs of hands before it reaches the window:

• Casting or forming: the gold alloy is melted and shaped.
• Filing and assembly: parts are filed, fitted and soldered together.
• Setting: stones are set one at a time under magnification.
• Polishing: each surface is polished by hand.
• Stamping: the piece is stamped with its gold content, 585 for 14K.

Practical tips for visiting

• Opening days: the bazaar is closed on Sundays and on religious holidays. Arrive in the morning for quieter streets.
• Getting there: the tram to Beyazıt or Çemberlitaş stops a short walk from the main gates.
• Getting lost is part of it: the gates are numbered, so note the one you came in through.

How to buy gold with confidence

• Ask for the karat and look for the stamp: 585 for 14K, 750 for 18K, 916 for 22K.
• Ask for the weight: gold jewelry in Türkiye is commonly priced with its weight in grams in mind.
• Ask whether it is solid or hollow: hollow pieces look large but contain less gold.
• Ask what the stones are: a trustworthy jeweler will tell you whether a stone is natural, created or cubic zirconia.
• Take your time: tea is often offered. Accepting does not oblige you to buy.

14K Solid Gold Chunky Ring Wide Textured Band View Chunky Ring Wide Textured Band on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Crescent Moon Star Necklace View Crescent Moon Star Necklace on Etsy

Can't visit? We ship from the bazaar

Every piece in our collection is made in our Grand Bazaar atelier and shipped free by express courier, tracked and insured, to the USA, the UK and Europe. Read more about our atelier.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Grand Bazaar open on Sundays?

No. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and on religious holidays.

Is gold cheaper in Istanbul?

Gold prices follow the international market, so the metal itself costs about the same. Craftsmanship and design are where prices differ, which is why it pays to ask about weight, karat and whether a piece is solid.

Can you bargain in the Grand Bazaar?

Bargaining is part of the culture for many goods. For gold, the price is closely linked to weight and the daily gold price, so there is usually less room than for carpets or souvenirs.

Can I buy from the Grand Bazaar online?

Yes. Our atelier ships from the bazaar through our Etsy shop, free by express courier, tracked and insured, to the USA, the UK and Europe.

Shop the collection from the Grand Bazaar or visit our Etsy shop.