The cluster of jewellery boutiques found around the moneyed neighbourhoods of the first and eighth arrondissements is no coincidence – who better to frequent these boutiques than the city’s affluent classes? Place Vendome is bling central, where just about every international luxury jeweller can be located, each display window more magnificent than the last. Gasp over the latest designs from Cartier, Mikimoto, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvulgari and Chaumet, the official jeweller to Napoleon. Away from the recognisable big names but still costing big money are the boutiques Bilbault JP and Perinet Michel, both on the rue Saint-Honoré. Bijoux Anciens-Eve Cazes in the eighth arrondissement sell a stunning array of antique jewels and watches at eyebrow-raising prices.

Don’t have a fortune to spend? Youthful, contemporary looks in silver are on show at Clio Blue at very reasonable prices. Éric et Lydie specialise in delicate designs with a retro edge, working frequently with stained, antique-look metals. Prices are in the mid-range. For statement jewellery with a bohemian aesthetic head to Monies, while Devana in the Marais specialises in design of ethnic-influenced pieces in sterling silver showcased in a dramatic boutique replete with live python. Costume jewellery is also big business in Paris, ranging on the scale from the cheap, fun offerings of charm bangles, faux-gilt and chunky earrings from chain store, Agatha, to the pretty necklaces and bracelets inlaid with coloured crystals and semi-precious stones at GAS. Camille and Lucie on the rue Rivoli specialise in costume jewellery at great prices while La Licorne focuses on unique costume pieces from the 1920s and ‘30s, with numerous offerings in bakelite and jade. The boutique will also undertake jewellery repairs, as will Antoine Camus Jewellers in Passy.

Finding jewellers willing to create custom designs is not difficult; Atelier Julien Créations in the 3rd arrondissement and Les Ateliers Tamalet in the 9th are both good starting points and both offer services in English. For watches, Top Time on the rue de Rivoli has an enormous collection of more than 2000 watches and weather forecasting devices while nearby on the rue Royale is Wempe, the century-old luxury watch and jewellery brand. For repairs and services try Montre Service, with stores across the city. The department stores also stock a huge range of international name brands at both low-to-mid and mid-to-high price targets.