Rock collecting is something I've done since I was a pup. I used to collect rocks that looked like…read morehearts, miniature grave stones, or just ones with cool patterns in them. The Rock Shop on Adelaide Street is home to many semi precious stones. Some are for sale, but most of them are actually just on display. It's more like a small museum than a shop. Any person with a minor interest in geology would like to go in here. They've got your unpolished and polished versions of most stones. The malachite and lapis lazuli are particularly enchanting. There's a stone called 'Ribbon Rock' which while not sounding very scientific does represent the rock well. There's rocks that have patterns that make one think of outer space and star dust. Then there's the psychedelic ones. Trippy, star burst kind of stones of all sorts of colours. The staff in store know their stones. They can explain to you why a particular rock will have red in the centre and then change into yellow, and then to green. They'll blind you with their science. They spend most of their time selling rock ornaments and jewellery to people, but they are more than happy to talk rocks with anyone who is interested. If you're like me, you'll just go in to ogle the pretty colours and patterns in the rocks.

When I was but a wee thing I made my mother buy the (now…read moredefunct) fossicker weekly. Each week a new semi-precious gem would be added and before I knew it I was hooked on those mineraloids. Fill of gems and jewels this store would make any fellow rockhead whoop for joy. From garnets and amethysts to tigers eyes, crystals and pearls. The rock shop has you covered. This place also boasts some of the best range of Opals I've seen (Be sure to check out the QLD boulder opal displays) as well as offering up some beautiful jewellery to display them in. So the next time you have an itch for some unpolished gems (or some apology pearls) I highly recommend you pay these guys a visit.

There are some magical stores that draw women in like moths to a flame. This is one of those…read morestores. Full of beautiful things to wear and for around the home, this shop is always crowded with women of all ages, lost in a daydream as they stroll through the store imagining which dress would go with that stunning necklace and bargaining that they deserve a reward for sticking to their diet, and those earrings would do just fine in that capacity. Don't be fooled by my tendency to focus on their jewellery, they have a lot more than that here, but that seems to be the main attraction and it's certainly what distracted me from hurrying home in order to beat traffic.

This store has so much cute, hand-made jewellery, I was OOOHing and AHHHing the whole time I was in…read morethe store. I've been to the Paddington store a number of times, but personally like the Oxford Street store better. It's small but filled to the brim with beautiful things. The first thing that caught my eye were the Poetry Bangles - $19 for a silver bangle with a lovely inspirational message on it. SING ... as though no one can hear you. DANCE ... as though no one is watching you. LOVE ... as though you have never been hurt. LIVE ... as though heaven is on earth. I think it would be nice to have the complete set of 4 bangles, worn all at once. Thousand Island Dressing also stocks earrings by Scrumptious Productions, which is a Melbourne based jewellery maker - her earring are made with vintage buttons, beads or retro fabrics. Very cute. There is just so much jewellery - whether you like silver, gold or coloured, they have a huge range to suit your style.

Exceptional friendly service. I was very happy with the upgrade on my engagement ring. Thank you…read moreMario.

Slightly classier than Diva and a lot cheaper than Tiffany's,…read moreLovisa is a store for all ladies. What I like about this place is that is makes interesting designs more accessible and affordable for the public. They have a huge range of jewelry sorted into collections. From Crown Jewels, Boho, Marrakesh and Africa to Disco, Black and Gold and Summer brights. There is sooooo much to browse and they offer something for every occasion. The rings are oh so handily displayed according to size, the friendly sales staff are more than happy to offer advice and lure you with their favourite jewelry. Located in the Myer centre this is a great little place to pick up a ring or a necklace for your next big outing.

I like the fact that this store is pretty, it's laid out in a very easy to browse way and…read moreeverything looks kind of classy but not as cheap as your priceline. I love the fact that the jewellery is inspired by different countries and designs and seem to be the latest catwalk trend. I also like the fact that if you're after a certain personal style, the shop assistant is happy to make up one for you, just for fun. If you let her. She's actually pretty good. She might put that one extra bracelet on your arm to make a whole new polished look like she did me. I like people who take initiative. I also like the fact that they have different sizes for bracelets, rings, and things from Marrakesh, who'd have thought. Get that Moroccan flavour in you! Good jewellery and accessories for your ladies night out, girls night out, dinner or whatnot. It's a store that is pretty cool for school.

I was chuffed when I stumbled across Stone and Metal a few days ago. The beautiful store off James…read moreStreet sells a wide range of beautiful bespoke jewellery which you can't find anywhere else. When I went into the store there was a husband trying to choose a special piece for his wife for Christmas. Not wanting to steal his thunder, I browsed quietly and ogled endlessly at all of the beautiful items in the cabinets while the shop attendant helped him (it was obvious he needed special attention). The majority of the items in store are sterling silver, with whatever is gold in appearance being gold plated. A number a international designers house their jewellery in Stone and Metal, with the owner of the store also selling her pieces. There are amazing things like earrings with small bird cages hanging from them, rings with miniature silver houses and beaded necklaces which would make a statement coupled with any outfit. I never normally purchase jewellery for myself, but Stone and Metal might just be an exception in the future. I'll also keep it in mind for birthday presents as well, as the items are usually one off and not easily replicated. A gem of a store!

From the owner: Imagine this. Raw…read morepolished concrete floors, exposed piping and brick walls, specimens of raw gems, lavish chandeliers and a slab of green polished onyx from Pakistan; a gorgeous 'cow lounge' in the corner and simple glass cabinets showcasing luxurious jewellery inside. This haven is the Stone and Metal Gallery that houses the seasonal collections by Brisbane metalsmith Samantha Anderson, the Stone and Metal exclusive label, a collection of emerging designer ranges and an assortment of internationally sourced jewellery. Credit to Brisbane Threads (we couldn't have said it better ourselves) The Gallery is located in the upmarket hub of James Street in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane where there is a strong presence of other Australian designer fashion. On display is contemporary jewellery from around the world as well as hand crafted pieces from Australian designers.