I was just notified that my photo was selected to represent this business and I wasn't sure where…read moreit was. After looking, I realized that this was a jewelry shop within the well known bazaar in Istanbul. There are many shops in the bazaar selling jewelry. Like they are everywhere. My friend Marsha knows her jewelry. Like really. Knows it. And has many unique and beautiful pieces. She can look in a window and in 10 seconds determine if there are good pieces, well made and unique designs. Well, she loved this place. And all of the photos that I posted were pieces she loved and purchased. Check them out when in the bazaar. And you'll likely purchase something if you have enough on your credit line.

I was surprised when Yelp requested a review of the Istanbul Culinary Academy because I know of…read moreYelp only within the US. I dearly love the ICA and will look for my food pictures to post. But I also want to acknowledge Armaggan's upstairs restaurant. As with all of Armaggan, the restaurant is exquisite. Architecturally, its interpretation of traditional stylistic themes is informed, refined and minimalist, but with richness in materials and lighting--especially in galleries displaying different categories of objects and inside the restaurant and on its innovative terrace. It is not pastiche or parody. Staff told me that it is run by a family who cares about and studies Turkish history and culture. Today, I am reminded by Yelp that I had not finished typing this review from 2 years ago. I will post it anon. The longer I have been away from Istanbul the more I miss its cosmopolitan people and my many favorite spots there. Armaggan would be unique in any of the world's great cities. But even in a place where almost everything (except pork and alcohol) has been examined, interpreted, improved and refined over the centuries Armaggan still stands out. Just a few steps from the Grand Bazaar, on a quiet and pretty street, is the pristine edifice of polished beige stone and crystal clear glass. It resembles a large private vault, but is an emporium of Turkish culture. The finest contemporary arts and crafts are displayed as if in a museum. And my favorite aspect, the restaurant, offers the classiest interpretation of indigenous Turkish food. Not tourist or hotel or fusion food, but traditional recipes prepared with the best ingredients and served in elegant yet understated fashion. Armaggan seems proud to offer grandma's recipe. Armaggan and ICA are local treasures that buck the tourist oriented trend. Traveling around the country I was disappointed to hear: "We do not have Zeytinyagli Enginar on the menu. That's what we eat at home!" But at Armaggan is it served proudly and elegantly.

One of the best department stores that you can find in Istanbul, especially if you're looking good…read morequality stuff such as Turkish kaftans, souvenirs, fabrics, rugs and so on. It also has a very good restaurant with Turkish Ottoman cuisine on the terrace. Of course, like all the quality things, the prices are high but it's worth it.

I found this place by accident: saw some amazing jewelry in the shopping window and just couldn't…read morego away. Turns out this place is highly rated in Lonelyplanet and Co. And no wonder: the owner Saadet makes fantastic jewelry, modern and antique copies. Prices are good: there are more expensive gold and silver pieces and cheaper stuff too. You will get your precious new purchase carefully packed in a little sachet filled with lavender and roses. And of course on top will be a pin with a legendary eye to protect from all bad things.

They're very good salesmen, but they do not offer deals beyond what you could find in the US or…read moreanother country with stronger certification records and consumer protections. Buy from them if the price is right, but just be aware you won't pay less per gram of gold, for example, at this store in the Grand Bazaar than you would at any other store.

I love this store! I can't come to Istanbul without stopping here and getting unique, handmade…read moregifts for EVERYONE (most of which I keep for myself!  ). Love this store can't wait to come back! :)

Ultra Luxury jewelry that is some of the most beautiful and individually designed in the world…read more I discovered this boutique store wandering towards the Grand Bazaar years ago. Then, I bought a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind cross, laid in multi-colored sapphires. The gold cross making the base of this magnificent piece is carved by hand and when reversed makes a more simple, yet also stunning gold piece. Even the chain is hand made in gold. More recently I purchased a ruby heart pendant sprinkled with diamonds ( again set in gold). It too is one of a kind and spectacular. Again when reversed it becomes a simpler heart, yet still lovely. I mention this because I travel a lot. Having a piece with bling on one side and simplicity on the other, really gives you 2 pieces with each necklace. My bottom line: What a jeweler. What a wonderful store. She only makes each item, once, and you get to be the beneficiary of that lovely artistic trait. I am crazy about Tina and her designs and her boutique. I would never go to Istanbul without visiting her. Everything is expensive--and it is all for very good reasons--so I save up before my visits!