Shopping in St. Petersburg, Russia

Amber is a stone that is frequently found in jewelry in Russia and many individuals want to buy at least one amber piece of jewelry before they leave the country. When shopping in St. Petersburg, you will find stores that sell only Amber, such as Amber Palace on the Moika near Palace Square. The designs are very unique, which is why the jewelry pieces are so sought after. Much of the jewelry is made with 14 carat gold, which is referred to as “585” in Russia. If you see that “585,” you know you are getting a 14 carat gold piece.

You do have to be careful when buying amber pieces, however, because not every stone is true amber. Nonetheless, it comes down to whether or not you like the piece and are willing to pay the price for it. Most of the time, this is what outweighs whether or not the amber is true amber, especially if the gold is real.

While design is something that is sought after in unique Russian merchandise, so is quality. Very unique porcelain cups that are of a high quality are made in St. Petersburg. You can travel over to the Nevsky prospect and find the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory (former Russian Imperial Porcelain Manufacture), which creates high quality pieces. They are also very beautiful and the value is very good. If you were to buy the same pieces in the United States, they are available at a higher price. You are also not going to find such a large selection in the United States.

In addition, gold is very popular. The most common type of gold that is sold in St. Petersburg and throughout Russia is “reddish gold.” It is actually a copper alloy. The gold’s worth is the same as regular gold with the main difference being the color. It is yellow gold that is actually going to be difficult to find with white gold being easier to locate. If you are looking for a specific metal, it is worth visiting the variety of designers that have showrooms set up in the city center.

Another popular purchase is fur. Many Russians love to wear fur because it is comfortable and it is warm. Visitors also like to purchase fur items during their visit due to the variety, the quality, and the comfort. What’s more is that these furs can be acquired for great deals. While a mink coat may not be as good as one that is produced in the fur district of New York City, the price is one that cannot be beat. This presents an opportunity to own fur without the incredible price that comes with it.

Overall, you can own many handmade pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Photo books are also available at a great value and make for good gifts to give friends and family as souvenirs from your trip. Yes, there is a lot to see and plenty of shopping to do in St. Petersburg, which will contribute to the quality of your trip.

St. Petersburg Russia Private Tours

By Natalia Rogachyova on Google+