Souk dei gioielli, Traditional jewelry market in Essaouira, Morocco.
Souk dei gioielli is a jewelry market in the medina of Essaouira with narrow lanes and small shops displaying silver rings, necklaces, bracelets, and ornamental pieces set with colored stones. The shops sit close together and show the full range from simple to elaborately decorated objects.
This market emerged in the 18th century when the Sultan transformed Essaouira into a major trading port, drawing craftspeople and merchants to the area. Since then, jewelry making has been an established tradition shaped by the city's growth as a trading hub.
The artisans here use traditional techniques to create patterns with geometric forms and symbols that hold deep meaning in the local community. Walking through the lanes, you see these hand-worked details everywhere, passed down from one generation to the next.
The market sits within the medina and is open daily to visitors, with most shops opening in the morning and closing during evening hours. Negotiating prices is standard practice and part of the normal shopping process, so this is expected during a visit.
Many pieces come with a certificate of authenticity that shows the metal composition and the origin of the craftsmanship. This sets the jewelry from this area apart and helps buyers understand how to spot locally made work.
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